Hypophosphatemia in children with infectious diseases

الملخص EN

A case-control study was carried out on 65 infants and children with infectious diseases admitted to pediatric wards of Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital from the f of September 2002 till the end of February 2003.

Their ages ranged from 1 month-9 years, 37weremales and 28 were females.

Seventy-five children (43 males and 32 females) visiting the outpatient department for vaccination or for minor illnesses like common cold were randomly selected as controls.

For all children included a complete history and thorough physical examination were done and the following investigations were carried out ; hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, serum phosphorus, calcium and albumin.

Hypophosphatemia was detected in 20 % of patients with infections.

The study has revealed that the mean serum phosphorus, calcium, albumin and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower while the mean white blood cell count was significantly higher in patients compared to controls.

There was no significant difference in mean serum phosphorus level in relation to age of patients, sex, duration of illness or the type o infection.

From this study it is concluded that hypophosphatemia is high among infants and children with infections and further studies are needed to explain the causes of hypophosphatemia and the role of early phosphate therapy In such patients.