Hypophosphataemic osteomalacia and alcoholism: a possible link.

Sporadic adult-onset hypophosphataemic osteomalacia is rare and its pathogenesis is unknown. A renal tubular defect, acquired on a toxic basis, has been proposed as the mechanism. Recent evidence suggests that alcohol can cause renal tubular damage. The history and stigmata of alcohol abuse in the present case implicate alcohol as the most likely cause of this patient's hypophosphataemic osteomalacia.