New therapies for hyperkalemia

Abstract

Purpose of review: Although renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have become the mainstay treatment for patients with chronic diseases, hyperkalemia is a major contributory deterrent to their use in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure. For the first time in 50 years, two new therapies (patiromer and ZS-9) have recently emerged for the concomitant treatment of hyperkalemia in these patients. The objective of this review is to discuss the efficacy and safety of these new agents.

Recent findings: Patiromer effectively reduces serum potassium in patients with CKD and heart failure, even with the concomitant use of RAAS inhibitors. The most common adverse events in clinical trials were gastrointestinal events. ZS-9 (Lokelma) rapidly reduces serum potassium levels and to a greater magnitude, and has a role in the acute management of hyperkalemia. Despite having more adverse events than patiromer, ZS-9 is overall well tolerated.

Summary: These new therapies show promising results for the chronic management of hyperkalemia, whilst also potentially allowing for the concomitant use of RAAS inhibitors at optimal doses. More research is needed to examine the benefits of continuation of RAAS inhibitors after an episode of hyperkalemia in patients with CKD and heart failure.