Serum Phosphate Abnormalities in Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract

Abstract

Persistent or intermittent elevation of serum phosphate levels was observed in five adults with sickle cell anemia. Since this may be clinically relevant, possible causes for the high phosphate levels were examined and the association with painful crises was evaluated. Increased serum phosphate levels were regularly associated with increased renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate. Normal parathormone levels and normal renal responses to parathormone were observed in this group and no change in the serum phosphate level or in the renal tubular defect was noted after transfusion to a normal hemoglobin level. Increased renal clearance of sodium was also observed in this group. The findings show that increased levels of serum phosphate in patients with sickle cell anemia are related to altered renal handling of phosphate which is associated with increased clearance of sodium. The frequency of crises was markedly increased in the patients with high levels of serum phosphate.