Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Potassium balance and serum potassium level are maintained until very late in chronic kidney disease (CKD), mainly because of an increase in renal and colonic excretion. Hyperkalemia may develop earlier in the course of CKD in patients with hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. Hyperkalemia in CKD patients may occur in association with excess dietary potassium intake, constipation or prolonged fasting. It may also be seen with the use of potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If suspected, pseudohyperkalemia should be excluded to avoid unnessary treatments. Acute treament of hyperkalemia in marked or symptomatic hyperkalemia, particularly in the presence of electrocardiographic changes includes combinations of intravenous calcium gluconate and infusions of glucose and insulin with or without bicarbonate. In patients with kidney failure, dialysis may be required. Either asymptomatic and mild hyperkalemia or chronic hyperkalemia in CKD patients can be treated by potassium restriction, a loop diuretic at high doses, and cation exchange resin.