Low phosphatemia in extremely low birth weight neonates: A risk factor for hyperglycemia?

Background & Aims: Hyperglycemia occurs in more than half of the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates during the first weeks of life, and is correlated with an increased risk of morbi-mortality. Hypophosphatemia is another frequent metabolic disorder in this population. Data from animal, adult studies and clinical observation suggest that hypophosphatemia could induce glucose intolerance.