Hypophosphatemia during continuous hemodialysis is associated with prolonged respiratory failure in patients with acute kidney injury

Abstract

Background. Hypophosphatemia is common in critically ill patients and has been associated with generalized muscle weakness, ventilatory failure and myocardial dysfunction. Continuous renal replacement therapy causes phosphate depletion, particularly with prolonged and intensive therapy. In a prospective observational cohort of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), we examined the incidence of hypophosphatemia during dialysis, associated risk factors and its relationship with prolonged respiratory failure and 28-day mortality.Methods. This is a single-center prospective observational study. Included in the study were 321 patients with AKI on continuous dialysis as initial treatment modality.Results. Four per cent of the patients had a phosphate level