Epidemiology of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease

Background: Hyperkalaemia is a significant electrolyte imbalance in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) have beneficial cardio-renal properties, although they can often cause hyperkalaemia. Objective: To examine the prevalence of hyperkalaemia in CKD, identify factors associated with its appearance and the relationship between hyperkalaemia and mortality. Patients and methods: Retrospective observational study on patients with CKD in the period 1971–2017. The population was categorised into 3 groups: Group 1, patients with CKD without renal replacement therapy; Group 2, patients on haemodialysis; and Group 3, patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Results: A total of 2629 patients were evaluated. The prevalence observed in the different groups was: 9.6%, 16.4% and 10.6%, respectively. Risk factors related to the appearance of hyperkalaemia in the CKD group were glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p