Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on haemodialysis (HD) have an increased risk of hyperkalaemia, a serious and potentially fatal electrolyte disorder. New effective strategies for managing hyperkalaemia have recently become available. However, as yet, there is insufficient experience in routine clinical practice in HD. The aim of our study was to report the prevalence of chronic hyperkalaemia and analyse the effects of different treatment strategies on potassium management, ratio of adherence and gastrointestinal symptoms in our HD population. Method A 12-week, prospective, single-centre study in HD patients with chronic hyperkalaemia (>5.5 mmol/l). Three study phases were established: Phase 1 — dietary advice (DA); Phase 2 — calcium polystyrene sulfonate resins (CPSRs); and Phase 3 — patiromer. In each phase, we analysed sociodemographic data, related biochemical data, treatment adherence and compliance (Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire [SMAQ]), gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale [GSRS]), HD characteristics and usual medical treatment. Results 29.2% hyperkalaemia (46% mild); 13 patients (61.5% female); mean age 63.8 ± 14.1 years and 46.4 ± 41.6 months on HD. Serum K values decreased significantly (*p <0.05) only in phase 3 (–0.75 mmol/l), with a higher percentage of patients reaching optimal K range. Compared with CPSRs, patiromer yielded significantly better overall GSRS scores: abdominal pain (3.7 versus 2.5), constipation (7.1 versus 5.3), indigestion (6.2 versus 5.6); and also better treatment compliance. No significant changes were found in any other biocbhemical data, HD characteristics or usual medication over the course of the study. Conclusion Chronic hyperkalaemia is a highly prevalent disorder on our HD unit. Compared to dietary advice and traditional potassium binders; patiromer was effective in managing chronic hyperkalaemia, leading to improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and treatment adherence with no associated severe adverse effects. Thus, considering our results, we shall consider patiromer a first-line treatment for chronic hyperkalaemia in our patients with HD.
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