CHRONIC HYPERKALEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

CHRONIC HYPERKALEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE A. Memeti, S. Sulejman, A. Karanfilovik, V. Karanfilovski, A. Stojanoska, Z. Sterjova, M. Milenkova, J. Usprcov, A. Spasovska, Z. Janevski, A. Canevska, L. Trajceska, I. Busletikj University clinic of nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, N. Macedonia PP Introduction. Our aim was to investigate the need of a dietary intervention in our CKD patients. Methos. 65 ambulatory CKD patients with chronic hyperkalemia were sampled for blood analyses and asked three questions: about knowing the potential harmful effect of high potassium in the blood, secondly about knowing of potassium rich foods and thirdly how they feel about having a leaflet with additional information on the subject. Patients were stratified into groups in respect of potassium level (mild<5,9; moderate 6-6.5 and severe ≥6.5 mmol/l). Results. Mild hyperkalemia was found in 21(32%), moderate in 29(45%) and severe in 15(23%). Out of all, 35(54%) already knew about the harmful effect of high potassium blood. Knowledge about the potassium rich foods claimed 22(34%) of patients but most of them stressed they only knew 2-3 items. The positive response rate on the third question about needing a leaflet with information on this issue was 100%. In order to achieve careful reduction of potassium level without compromising the alkali and fiber intake a leaflet was prepared for the CKD patients. Conclusion. Large proportion of CKD patients with hyperkalemia are in need of dietary intervention with written information in the form of an educational leaflet.