Brunelli SM et al. – This retrospective event–based study examined the near–term association of potassium gradient with short–term clinical outcomes such as all–cause and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and deaths. The study concluded that higher potassium gradient is independently associated with greater risk of all–cause hospitalizations and ED visits. Additional research is required to identify whether this risk could be reduced through interventions that reduce potassium gradient.

Methods

• Approximately 830,741 patient–intervals, in adults who received in–center hemodialysis thrice weekly at a large US dialysis organization, were considered.

Results

• Younger age, greater fistula use, lower comorbidity scores, and better nutritional indices are the factors affecting higher potassium gradient.
• A dose–response relationship was demonstrated between higher potassium gradient and greater risks of all–cause hospitalization and ED visit after adjustment of patient variables.
• No statistical significance was observed with respect to cardiovascular hospitalization.
• In view of low number of events, no association with mortality was observed.