PHOSPHORUS

Role:

• 85% in bone

• 15% in soft tissues in ATP, 2,3, DPG, nucleic acids, phospholipids

• Plays an important role as intracellular & urinary buffers

USE:

• Phosphate infusion may be required in alcohol dependence, TPN infusions, severe diabetic ketoacidosis, renal dialysis

• Also used as a buffer in cardioplegic solutions

S&S:

• Hypophosphataemia is associated with weakness, irritability, convulsions & coma

• Note that potassium depletion often follows phosphate depletion

Presentation:

• ampoules NaHPO4