Hypophosphatemia associated with coma.

In three cases of severe hypophosphatemia profound coma was associated. Although the occurrence of hypophosphatemia appeared to coincide with a high rate of intravenous administration of glucose and water, two of the three patients had liver disease and the other had hypothermia. In two instances the neurologic status improved with intravenous phosphate therapy. These case reports emphasize the importance of early recognition and treatment of profound hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients.