Why carry out this study?

Despite the co-occurrence of hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the prevalence of metabolic acidosis has not been established among patients with these conditions.

This study used electronic medical record data from a large, real-world patient population to estimate the prevalence of metabolic acidosis among patients with CKD and hyperkalemia in the US.

What was learned from the study?

The prevalence of metabolic acidosis (< 22 mEq/l) among patients with CKD and hyperkalemia was not uncommon and ranged from 25 to 29% when hyperkalemia was defined by potassium > 5.0 mEq/l and ranged from 33 to 39% when hyperkalemia was defined by potassium > 5.5 mEq/l from 2014 to 2017.

Further research into the management of metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia with novel treatments would help inform providers and optimize treatment options for these commonly co-occurring conditions, especially among patients with CKD.