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Review
. 2023 Mar;12(1):35-63.
doi: 10.1007/s40119-022-00289-z. Epub 2022 Dec 12.

Hyperkalemia: Prevalence, Predictors and Emerging Treatments

Natasha L Larivée #  1   2 , Jacob B Michaud #  1   2 , Keigan M More  1 , Jo-Anne Wilson  1 , Karthik K Tennankore  3
Affiliations
Review

Hyperkalemia: Prevalence, Predictors and Emerging Treatments

Natasha L Larivée et al. Cardiol Ther. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

It is well established that an elevated potassium level (hyperkalemia) is associated with a risk of adverse events including morbidity, mortality and healthcare system cost. Hyperkalemia is commonly encountered in many chronic conditions including kidney disease, diabetes and heart failure. Furthermore, hyperkalemia may result from the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi), which are disease-modifying treatments for these conditions. Therefore, balancing the benefits of optimizing treatment with RAASi while mitigating hyperkalemia is crucial to ensure patients are optimally treated. In this review, we will briefly discuss the definition, causes, epidemiology and consequences of hyperkalemia. The majority of the review will be focused on management of hyperkalemia in the acute and chronic setting, emphasizing contemporary approaches and evolving data on the relevance of dietary restriction and the use of novel potassium binders.

Keywords: Hyperkalemia; Patiromer; Potassium binder; Sodium polystyrene sulfonate; Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Acute hyperkalemia management in the in-patient setting. IV Ca++ Intravenous calcium
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Treatment approach to hyperkalemia in the setting of renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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