PHOSPHORUS RETENTION IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC RENAL INSUFFICIENCY

Abstract

Advanced renal insufficiency is accompanied by an elevation of the inorganic phosphorus content of the blood and frequently by a decrease in the concentration of serum calcium.¹ These alterations may be of importance in precipitating or aggravating certain symptoms which frequently accompany renal insufficiency.² No satisfactory regimen has been described for reducing the concentration of phosphorus in the blood to a minimum. Nor is it apparent from the literature whether the phosphorus intake in the diet or its absorption is of importance in influencing the inorganic phosphorus content of the serum of persons with renal insufficiency. There is experimental evidence to indicate that it is possible, by the selection of a diet low in phosphorus, to reduce the inorganic phosphorus content of the serum of normal animals, as well as to reduce the excretion of phosphorus in the urine.³ It has also been shown that in human