Areas of uncertainty on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of hypophosphatemia in adults: an Italian Delphi consensus

PURPOSE: The study aimed to present the results of a Delphi consensus involving Italian experts focusing on the management of hypophosphatemia in adults. METHODS: A multidisciplinary advisory board of nine physicians, experts in hypophosphatemia management, was established. Next, a literature search was performed to identify international guidelines, consensus, and clinical pathways, which were later presented to the advisory board. Collaboratively, the advisory board and authoring team selected key statements for the consensus process and focused on areas of uncertainty related to the management of hypophosphatemia. The advisory board also indicated the experts to be invited to participate in the consensus process. The Delphi method was employed to reach a consensus. RESULTS: The literature search yielded one guideline, five consensus documents, and one clinical pathway. While our search strategy aimed to identify documents on the management of all types of hypophosphatemia, most of the guidelines and consensus documents retrieved focused on X-linked hypophosphatemia. The consensus process focused on 11 key issues, achieving strong convergence (over 70% consensus) in the first Delphi round for 8 out of the 11 statements. Three statements proceeded to the second round, with strong agreement reached for two. Notably, consensus was not reached for the statement concerning the measurement of fibroblast growth factor 23 for diagnostic purposes. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the community of clinical experts is well-informed and in agreement regarding hypophosphatemia management. It emphasized the importance of developing clear national guidance documents to support clinicians and multidisciplinary teams in patient management. These documents are crucial not only for healthcare professionals but also for those responsible for defining pathways and services, facilitating a more accurate management of hypophosphatemic patients.