2986 Patiromer for hyperkalemia in the early post-transplant period

Abstract Background and Aims Hyperkalemia is a serious condition among kidney transplant (KT) recipients, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Following kidney transplantation, the causes of hyperkalemia are multifactorial owing to graft function, excess potassium repletion, comorbidities, and medications used in the peri- and post-operative setting. The risk for hyperkalemia is increased immediately post-transplantation, particularly in those with suboptimal graft function and higher calcineurin inhibitors levels. A rapidly rising potassium refractory to medical therapy can be an indication for dialysis. Managing hyperkalemia after kidney transplantation is associated with increased morbidity and healthcare costs. In that manner, newer alternatives such as patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate have emerged due to their potentially superior efficacy and safety profiles. Method This is an observational, retrospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of patiromer for hyperkalemia management in adult transplant recipients over the first 3 months post-transplant period, between January and December 2022 (since patiromer is available in our hospital pharmacy). We included all the kidney transplant recipients of our hospital, with the exception of those with primary graft failure. Information concerning the donor, recipient, graft, drugs pre and post-transplant, fluid therapy, transfusions, and blood tests (ions, blood gases, glycemia, kidney function measurements, anticalcineurin inhibitors levels) were collected. Patiromer was administered in a single-daily dose, diluted in 250 cc of water, in the afternoon, at least 2 hours separated of other drugs. Results In total, 69 recipients were included in the analysis. 94% were from deceased donors and 54% from donation after cardiac death. The average age of the entire cohort was 55 years and 66% were male. Medical history of each KT recipients reveal that 89% has hypertension, 32% diabetes, and 35% previous cardiopathy. Hypertension treatment before the KT included beta-blockers (39%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (37%). The incidence of hyperkalemia (K ≥ 5.5 mmol/L) was 29.7% in the first three months, mostly in the first week (21.6%). Patiromer was administered to 37% of them. For the 88.5% an initial dose of 8.4 g/day was enough. Although, 27% required an increase of the dose to 16.8 g/day and 8% to 25.2 g/day. The chang