Clinical Information

Approximately 80% of filtered phosphorus is reabsorbed by renal proximal tubule cells. The regulation of urinary phosphorus excretion is principally dependent on regulation of proximal tubule phosphorus reabsorption. A variety of factors influence renal tubular phosphate reabsorption, and consequent urine excretion. Factors which increase urinary phosphorus excretion include high phosphorus diet, parathyroid hormone, extracellular volume expansion, low dietary potassium intake and proximal tubule defects (eg, Fanconi Syndrome, X-linked hypophosphatemic Rickets, tumor-induced osteomalacia). Factors which decrease, or are associated with decreases in, urinary phosphorus excretion include low dietary phosphorus intake, insulin, high dietary potassium intake, and decreased intestinal absorption of phosphorus (eg, phosphate-binding antacids, vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption states).

A renal leak of phosphate has also been implicated as contributing to kidney stone formation in some patients.