Hyperkalaemia management and related costs in chronic kidney disease patients with comorbidities in Spain
ABSTRACT Background Hyperkalaemia (HK) is a common electrolyte disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or treated with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAASi). The aim of this study is to determine the severity, current management and cost of chronic HK. Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients with chronic HK and CKD, heart failure or diabetes mellitus between 2011 and 2018. The study follow-up was 36 months. Results 1,499 patients with chronic HK were analysed, 66.2% presented mild, 23.4% moderate and 10.4% severe HK. The severity was associated with CKD stage. Most patients (70.4%) were on RAASi therapies, which were frequently discontinued (discontinuation rate was 39.8%, 49.8% and 51.8% in mild, moderate and severe HK, respectively). This RAASi discontinuation was similar with or without resin prescription. Overall, ion exchange resins were prescribed to 42.5% of patients with HK and prescription were related to the severity of HK, being 90% for severe HK. Adherence to resin treatment was very low (36.8% in the first year, 17.5% in the third year) and potassium persisted elevated in most patients with severe HK. The annual healthcare cost per patient with HK was 5,929€, reaching 12,705€in severe HK. Costs related to HK represent 31.9% of the annual cost per HK patient and 58.8% of the specialised care cost. Conclusions HK was usually managed by RAASi discontinuation and ion exchange resin treatment. Most patients with HK were non-adherent to resins and those with severe HK remained with high potassium levels, despite bearing elevated health care expenditures.