Analysing the impact of a guideline for the use of new potassium binders for treatment of chronic hyperkalaemia to maximise inhibition of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) within the general nephrology clinic?

Abstract Background Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors provide significant cardiorenal benefits with improved long-term outcomes for patients. This is most significant for patients receiving maximal RAAS inhibition, but some patients are unable to tolerate this therapy because of hyperkalaemia. Recently published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal guidance recommended using sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) and patiromer for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3b to 5 or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, who are not taking an optimised dosage of RAAS inhibitor because of hyperkalaemia. Objective Determine the impact of a locally produced guideline on effective implementation of NICE recommendation for use of SZC or patiromer to help maximise inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system within the general nephrology clinic. Methods A local guideline to practically support the implementation of recommendations made by NICE in the chronic use of new potassium binders was produced. One hundred sequential patients in a general nephrology clinic with non-immune chronic kidney disease (CKD 3 to 5) had their electronic records reviewed. Those with an indication for RAAS inhibition were identified. Results Of the 100 consecutive patients audited, 46 were female and 54 were male. The mean age of these patients was 64 and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 33. Sixty-eight patients had an indication for being on RAAS inhibition with only 10 on maximal doses. Of the remaining 58 patients, 26 (45%) were limited by hyperkalaemia. Of these 26 patients, 12 of these patients (46%) had hyperkalaemia associated with an episode of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, 14% of patients attending a general nephrology clinic were identified suitable for SZC and patiromer. Conclusions A significant proportion (14%) of unselected patients attending a general nephrology clinic were not on optimum RAAS inhibition due to hyperkalaemia. These patients would meet the criteria established within a working guideline for the implementation of the chronic use of SZC or patiromer and are likely to attain prognostic long-term benefit by using these new potassium binders to maximise RAAS inhibition. This analysis has implications for renal centres across the UK.