Quality of life in hyperkalemia: baseline analysis of a cohort study of management of hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or heart failure in Japan

Abstract Background Hyperkalemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure (CHF), often leading to treatment dilemmas regarding renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Although potassium binders and dietary restrictions are central to chronic management, their quality-of-life (QOL) impact remains insufficiently described. This study aimed to characterize real-world treatment patterns and evaluate treatment impact on QOL. Methods We analyzed baseline data from a prospective cohort in Japanese nephrology and cardiology outpatient clinics. Participants were adults with CKD (≥ stage G3) or CHF (New York Heart Association class II-IV) who initiated potassium binders within 6 months. Clinical data, serum potassium values, and patient-reported outcomes (generic QOL, disease/treatment-specific QOL, and adherence measures) were obtained at enrollment. Results Among 347 patients, the median age was 75 years, and 74% were male; 93% had CKD. At enrollment, 59% were prescribed a RAAS inhibitor. Dietary therapy was implemented in 29%. Physical scores of generic QOL were lower than population norms, whereas mental scores were comparable. Treatment-specific QOL scores suggested that potassium binders may have had a relatively small impact on QOL compared with dietary therapy. Adherence to potassium binders was high. Conclusions Concurrent use of RAAS inhibitors and potassium binders was common, consistent with a role for binders in supporting RAAS inhibitor continuation. Potassium binders showed little perceived impact, indicating that pharmacologic potassium control may be acceptable to patients managing multiple lifestyle limitations. Study registration. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05297409).