Consensus-Based Recommendations for the Management of Hyperkalemia in the Hemodialysis Setting

Abstract

Hyperkalemia (serum K+ >5.0mmol/L) is commonly observed among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and associated with increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Current international guidelines may not reflect the latest evidence on managing hyperkalemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and there is a lack of high-quality published studies in this area. This consensus guideline aims to provide recommendations in relation to clinical practice. Available published evidence was evaluated through a systematic literature review, and the nominal group technique was used to develop consensus recommendations from a panel of experienced nephrologists, covering monitoring, dietary restrictions, prescription of K+ binders, and concomitant prescription of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Recent studies have shown that K+ binders reduce the incidence of hyperkalemia, but further evidence is needed in areas including whether reduced-K+ diets or treatment with K+ binders improve patient-centered outcomes. Treatment of hyperkalemia in the hemodialysis setting is complex, and decisions need to be tailored for individual patients.