Determinants of hyperkalemia among patients with kidney failure undergoing conservative care at the national teaching hospital of Cotonou (Bénin)

Hyperkalemia, characterized by an elevated serum potassium level, is a common and serious complication in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It can lead to major cardiovascular disorders, making rigorous management essential. Objective: To study the determinants of hyperkalemia in patients with renal failure undergoing conservative treatment followed at the CNHU-HKM in Cotonou (Bénin) in 2024. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from October 1 to December 31, 2024, involving patients monitored in the teaching nephrology and hemodialysis clinic for end-stage chronic kidney disease. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old, on conservative treatment, and had provided informed consent. The dependent variable was a serum potassium level above 5.0 mmol/L associated with a cardiac disorder. Determinants were identified using a significance threshold of p < 0.05. A total of 110 patients were included. The mean age was 57 ± 1.3 years, with a sex ratio of 1.8. Among them, 30 patients developed hyperkalemia, representing a prevalence of 27.3 %. The identified determinants were male gender (aOR = 5.3; p = 0.024) and the use of ACE inhibitors (aOR = 5.1; p = 0.022). Hyperkalemia remains a frequent issue in nephrology, requiring increased vigilance and appropriate management, particularly for at-risk patients.