Dr Lauren Heath1, Richard Booth1, Scott Thomas1, Prof Carol Pollock
1Vifor
Aim: To illustrate the potential role of patiromer in managing hyperkalaemia in patients who have failed other potassium lowering therapies.
Background: Hyperkalaemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure and important treatments thereof, such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Patiromer sorbitex calcium (Veltassa) binds potassium in the gastrointestinal tract and provides an alternative to the currently limited potassium lowering therapies available.
Methods: Vifor’s Compassionate Access Program for patiromer commenced in November 2020 and is ongoing. Inclusion criteria comprises: at least 1 episode of hyperkalaemia; CKD, heart failure or other medical condition leading to hyperkalaemia, failure of other potassium lowering strategies. Data collected included: age, gender, location, underlying disease, previous hyperkalaemia therapies trialled and days on therapy.
Results: As of 3rd February 2022, 58 patients had been commenced on patiromer through Vifor’s Compassionate Access Program. 86% had CKD and 14% heart failure as their primary diagnosis. 58% of patients were male and 72% of patients over 55. Twenty-five participants (43%) had previously failed to manage their hyperkalaemia with a low potassium diet and 52 (89%) had trialled resonium. The average duration of treatment with patiromer was more than 170 days. Eight patients discontinued therapy – 3 due to gastrointestinal side effects, 2 received kidney transplants, 1 commenced dialysis and 1 was lost to follow up.
Conclusions: Patiromer is a well-tolerated alternative to managing serum potassium in patients with hyperkalaemia who have failed other therapies.
Biography:
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