Management of Chronic Kidney Disease


Potassium

In chronic renal failure (CRF), hyperkalaemia does not tend to become a problem until there is severe impairment of function (GFR < 20 ml/min/1.73m2). It is managed by:

  • reducing the intake of foods rich in potassium
  • treating acidosis
  • stopping drugs which exacerbate hyperkalaemia (K-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors)
  • ion exchange resins can be taken orally
Failure to control hyperkalaemia is an indication for dialysis.


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