HomeAnswersNephrologyphosphorusMy blood phosphorous level is 4.58 mg. Does it mean my kidneys are failing?

Does blood phosphorus level of 4.58 mean kidney failure?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 6, 2019
Reviewed AtAugust 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My reports are as follows. My blood phosphorous level is 4.58 mg, and it was always 3.2 mg. Rest kidney test is fine. Seeing my report, can you please tell me if my kidney is failing? I am too much worried. I am having Metformin 1000 mg as I am prediabetic and Voveron painkiller last week?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As such increase in phosphorus is not a marker of kidney disease. It can happen due to an increase in the daily products intake, pain-killer intake, and dehydration. I do not find any reason to worry.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I took Voveron as I was having pain in feet and had three times in the last few days. Secondly, I increased my dose of Metformin from 500 to 1000 mg. Can Metformin cause high phosphorus? Is 4.58 level very high? Does Voveron increase it temporarily and when can I repeat the test?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, Voveran (Diclofenac) can do that. I really do not think Metformin is the cause. I would recommend you to drink plenty of fluids and get it repeated after five days and write back to me with the reports.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

With this report that I sent you, is there anything to worry about kidney health? Should I keep taking Metformin to control sugar?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, as such I will not take this report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) as a matter of worry. As per my experience, such levels of phosphorus fluctuates and they are significant if you have high urea and creatinine levels. Yes, you can carry on with Metformin. If even after a few weeks your blood sugars do not improve, I would help you with the better options.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is phosphorus marker of kidney disease or urea and creatinine? Secondly, what is the normal range of phosphorus? Is 4.58 very high or just little? How much is significant high? So my kidney is safe?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The normal range of serum phosphorous ranges 2.4 to 4.4 mg/dl. So, yours is just slightly above the normal range. But since your urea, creatinine is normal, I do not find any reason to worry. Do not get apprehensive. You will be fine. It is a marker of kidney disease only if urea and creatinine are high. In my opinion, your kidney is safe.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I repeated the blood test and phosphorus came at 3.15.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Such discrepancies are common to see. And we do not worry when urea, creatinine are normal.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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