Contemporary Treatment of Hyperkalemia

AbstractPurpose of ReviewHyperkalemia is a common and serious electrolyte abnormality. It can have multiple etiologies but occurs more frequently in the setting of decreased renal function. Although the symptoms of hyperkalemia can be nonspecific and the electrocardiogram can be nondiagnostic, studies show that hyperkalemia increases mortality in- and out-of-hospital settings. Yet advances in treatment have been lacking.Recent FindingsSodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), the sole potassium binder that has been on the market for five decades, has only recently been shown to be effective in a randomized trial in an outpatient setting. Patiromer and ZS-9 are two new oral agents that show promise in treating hyperkalemia effectively. Compared to SPS, these two drugs have more robust data on efficacy and better side effect profiles.SummaryWith the advent of new agents, the management of hyperkalemia in both acute and chronic settings has the potential to improve. These drugs will not only provide more options to patients but also decrease morbidity because of fewer side effects.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research