Phosphate metabolism is critical to multiple systems and cellular functions. Disruption of any point in the pathways of phosphate metabolism may cause serum phosphate abnormalities and resultant acute or chronic clinical conditions. The study of phosphate disorders has revealed a wealth of information regarding normal phosphate physiology. Careful evaluation of affected patients based on pathophysiologic assessments will usually identify the aetiology of hypophosphataemia or hyperphosphataemia, which is important to guide appropriate therapy. Because of the relative importance of chronic hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia to bone disease, much of this chapter will focus on chronic disorders, especially those mediated by excess or deficient fibroblast growth factor 23 functioning.
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