Disorders of phosphate metabolism

Phosphate is essential for skeletal mineralization and for multiple cellula r functions. Several inherited and acquired disorders disrupt phosphate hom eostasis, resulting in conditions of hypo- and hyperphosphatemia. Unfortuna tely, these disorders are often misdiagnosed and are inappropriately treate d. This article reviews isolated phosphate wasting disorder and tumoral cal cinosis, a disorder that results in increased phosphate reabsorption. Ident ification of these disorders is important because optimal therapy varies. A dditionally, insight gained from studying these disorders provides a better understanding of the complex but fascinating process of maintenance of pho sphate homeostasis.