Severe hypophosphatemia associated to tissue regeneration after hepatic necrosis in a patient with AIDS

Abstract

Phosphorus is an essential component of cell membranes, enzyme systems, nucleic acids and nucleoproteins. Most of the intracellular phosphorus is part of the ATP molecule, necessary to develop various physiological processes. Serum phosphorus depends on the balance between intestinal absorption, renal excretion and the exchange between the intra and extracellular compartment. Hypophosphatemia prevalence in patients with HIV/AIDS is 7-26% and its causes are multiple. We report the first case of severe hypophosphoremia associated with hepatocyte regeneration after liver necrosis in a patient with AIDS and chronic depletion of phosphorus. Intravenous treatment allowed rapid normalization of serum phosphorus level and as well as sustaining the anabolic tissue recovery process post hepatic necrosis. Since hypophosphatemia is a common and multifactorial electrolyte disorder in this population, we emphasize the importance of evaluation of mineral metabolism in all patients with AIDS.