Impact of admission hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia on invasive mechanical ventilation in sepsis patients

Abstract

Aims: Electrolyte disturbances are common in patients with sepsis and may impair respiratory muscle function, increasing the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). However, the impact of admission hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia on early IMV need in patients with sepsis remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between admission hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and the need for IMV within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU from January 2020 to March 2026. Hypophosphatemia was defined as a serum phosphate level