Abstract: FR-PO581
Use of Patiromer for Long-Term Management of Hyperkalemia in an ESRD Patient
Session Information
- Trainee Case Reports - III
October 26, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Trainee Case Reports
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Barnes, Sylvester, Hines VA, Hines, Illinois, United States
- Schneider, Julia, Hines VA, Hines, Illinois, United States
- Leehey, David J., Hines VA, Hines, Illinois, United States
Introduction
Hemodialysis patients generally undergo dialysis with a dialysate potassium concentration of either 2 or 3 mEq/L. Use of lower dialysate potassium concentrations (< 2 mEq/L) may lead to post-dialysis hypokalemia and an increased risk of arrhythmia. This leads to a dilemma when pre-dialysis hyperkalemia is not controlled despite use of a 2 mEq/L potassium dialysate. A possible solution is the use of potassium binding agents in order to decrease pre-dialysis serum potassium concentrations.
Case Description
A 60-YOM with ESRD due to IgA nephropathy was being maintained on hemodialysis on a MWF schedule for 4h each treatment using an AVF. He was very compliant with dialysis and with dietary restrictions. However he had persistent pre-dialysis hyperkalemia (peak K of 7 mEq/L and average around 5.5 mEq/L) despite use of a 2 mEq/L potassium dialysate. His Kt/V was 1.6. No access recirculation was present. He did not take RAAS inhibitors or other medications known to cause hyperkalemia. He had previously been prescribed maintenance sodium polystyrene sulfonate which was poorly tolerated. In February 2017 he was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and assistance was requested in lowering his serum potassium levels pre-operatively. He was begun on patiromer 8.4g every Saturday and Sunday which resulted in a marked decrease in his pre-dialysis serum potassium concentrations. He was subsequently maintained on patiromer for over one year (until March 2018) with no further episodes of hyperkalemia (see Figure; arrow depicts duration of patiromer therapy). At the patient’s request the drug was then stopped, leading to an increase in pre-dialysis serum potassium level.
Discussion
Hyperkalemia can be a persistent problem for patients on chronic hemodialysis. Most guidelines recommend that very low potassium dialysates (< 2 mEq/L) be avoided. In this patient, use of patiromer twice weekly resulted in a long-term stable lowering of the pre-dialysis potassium concentration. To our knowledge this is the longest reported use of scheduled patiromer in a dialysis patient.