Abeleda KL, Bennett PN, Ockerby C. Standardising dialysate potassium does not increase patient risk.
J Ren Care 2013;
39:151-6. [PMID:
23902229 DOI:
10.1111/j.1755-6686.2013.12024.x]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Rapid intradialytic potassium shifts during haemodialysis have been associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Standardising dialysate potassium to 2 mmol/l may decrease the potassium shift.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of standardising dialysate potassium to 2 mmol/l for all chronic dialysis treatments.
DESIGN
Pre- and post-intervention comparison of monthly serum potassium.
PARTICIPANTS
Ninety-seven individuals, of whom 56 patients could be matched across both data collection periods.
METHODS
Serum potassium data were categorised based on a target range 3.5-6.0 mmol/l. Overall pre- and post-intervention mean scores were compared using a paired samples t-test. Data for patients routinely prescribed dialysate potassium 1 mmol/l pre-intervention (n = 6) underwent paired samples t-test to compare their mean serum potassium pre- and post-intervention.
RESULTS
There was no statistically significant change in serum potassium post-intervention. The majority of patients remained within the target range, including the subset of patients who had a history of high serum potassium during the pre-intervention period.
CONCLUSIONS
A standard potassium dialysate of 2 mmol/l may reduce intradialytic serum potassium shifts and may assist in standardising safer work practices.
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