European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Hypophosphatemia is a metabolic disorder that can have significant
consequences and is frequently undiagnosed in critically ill children. While
hypophosphatemia is typically characterized by nonspecific symptoms such as
weariness and irritation, severe hypophosphatemia (less than 1.0 mg/dl) can result
in much more severe complications including such decreased diaphragmatic
contractility and cardiac arrhythmias.
Aim of the Study: Determine the prevalence of hypophosphatemia in critically ill
children, as well as the clinical consequences and risk factors associated with the
condition throughout patients' admission in the PICU.
Patients and Methods: A case-control study that was conducted over a period of one
year, from July 2019 to June 2021, at PICU of Pediatrics Department, Zagazig
University Hospitals.The study included 180 subjects that were classified into two
groups, each of 90 subjects as follows; patients group, which included 90 cases, and
the control group, which included 90 healthy infants and children.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in weight, height percentile,
ESR and CRP, hemoglobin level, TLC, PT, INR, alkaline phosphatase a serum,
serum creatinine, PH, serum phosphorus level, presence of hypophosphatemia
(20%), number of patients with hypophosphatemia, percent change in serum
phosphorus, as well as percent change in serum phosphorus between the studied
groups.
Conclusion: In our investigation, the obvious probable source of hypophosphatemia
was prolonged TPN decision-making as well as sepsis. In the PICU, mild to moderate
hypophosphatemia occurred. Hypophosphatemia was related with an increased
length of stay in the PICU and poor outcomes.