Hyperkalemia Prevalence, Management With CKD at a Clinic in Durban, South Africa

Hyperkalemia is a known risk factor for developing cardiac rhythm disturbances and sudden cardiac death. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also a risk factor for cardiovascular problems. The prevalence of hyperkalemia in patients with CKD has varied greatly among studies. Hyperkalemia prevalence specific to patients at the renal clinic at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) had not been previously studied, so Alain Assounga and Tasmeen Bux conducted research to fill this gap.

Their study not only examined the prevalence of hyperkalemia in patients at the IALCH renal clinic but the degree of hyperkalemia severity. The pair also assessed demographic and other variables for an association with hyperkalemia. Results were presented at the International Society of Nephrology World Congress of Nephrology 2024.

 The retrospective review included 200 outpatients at the clinic, most of whom were female (n=120, 60%). Hyperkalemia prevalence was 16.0% overall, 7.69% in those with stage 3 CKD, 20.5% in those with stage 4 CKD, and 17.3% in those with stage 5 CKD. There were no statistically significant associations between hyperkalemia and demographic variables, but there was a significant association with the use of sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

CKD is a serious and growing problem and hyperkalemia worsens it. Therefore, pharmacological means to manage hyperkalemia should be weighed against the potential for hyperkalemia-associated complications. Potassium-lowering agents are an option to consider for management of cardiovascular issues within the context of hyperkalemia in CKD.

Source: KI Reports