Observations of hypophosphatemia and its management in nutrition support.

Severe hypophosphatemia is associated with significant morbidity in hospitalized patients. Specialized nutrition support is an important factor that contributes to the development of this metabolic disorder. Current treatment regimens for hypophosphatemia are empiric and often fail to normalize serum phosphorus concentrations in these patients. Patients who develop hypophosphatemia during the administration of specialized nutrition support exhibit increased phosphorus demands and require aggressive replacement therapy.