Hypoglycaemia due to insulin therapy for the management of hyperkalaemia in hospitalised adults: A scoping review

Hyperkalemia Management with Intravenous Insulin in Patients with Reduced Kidney Function

Background: Insufficient kidney function increases the risk of hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia, particularly in hemodialysis-dependent patients. Hypoglycemia is a common complication of insulin-based hyperkalemia treatment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperkalemia treatment in hemodialysis-dependent and -non-dependent patients and identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of hyperkalemia treatment including patients with reduced kidney function and hyperkalemia treated with intravenous insulin. The decline rate of potassium and glucose levels were compared between hemodialysis-dependent and non-dependent patients. In addition, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia. Results: A total of 172 patients with hyperkalemia and reduced kidney function were included. The steepest reduction of serum potassium levels happened within the first 6 h after insulin administration, at 1.1 and 0.9 mmol/L for hemodialysis-dependent and non-dependent patients, respectively. The incidence of hypoglycemia was 18%, and no significant difference was found between cohorts. Hemodialysis-dependent patients were more likely to be readmitted within one month with hyperkalemia, while all-cause ICU admission was more likely for non-dependent patients. Older patients, and those who had heart failure or received a second dose of insulin to treat hyperkalemia, were more likely to experience hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Monitoring blood glucose levels following insulin administration is essential given the complexity of patients' factors associated with hypoglycemia resulting from hyperkalemia treatment in patients with insufficient kidney function.

Reducing the harm associated in treating hyperkalaemia with insulin and dextrose

Inpatient treatment of hyperkalaemia with insulin and dextrose can be complicated by iatrogenic hypoglycaemia. We sought to assess the incidence of hypoglycaemia in hospitalised patients with renal disease and assess the impact of the introduction of a local guideline incorporating the use of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) for patients with moderate hyperkalaemia. After establishing a significant burden of hypoglycaemia in the initial observation period, a requirement for hourly capillary blood glucose monitoring (for up to 6 h) following the administration of insulin for hyperkalaemia was incorporated into the guidelines. The two-fold introduction of SZC alongside changes in patient care after the administration of insulin/dextrose resulted in more appropriate use of insulin/dextrose, as well as a significant (73%) reduction in the iatrogenic burden of hypoglycaemia (P = 0.04).

Impact of a Hyperkalemia Protocol Tailored to Glucose Concentration and Renal Function on Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Patients with Low Pretreatment Glucose

BACKGROUND

Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality that requires urgent treatment. Insulin is an effective treatment for hyperkalemia, but risk factors for developing insulin-induced hypoglycemia exist (e.g., low pretreatment glucose or renal impairment).

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the impact of a hyperkalemia protocol tailored to glucose concentration and renal function on insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of emergency department patients with glucose ≤ 100 mg/dL treated with insulin for hyperkalemia. The primary outcome was incidence of hypoglycemia in patients treated prior to (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019) vs. after (January 1, 2020-December 31, 2020) the protocol update, which individualized insulin and dextrose doses by glucose concentration and renal function. Secondary outcomes included change in potassium and protocol safety. We assessed factors associated with hypoglycemia using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

We included 202 total patients (preimplementation: 114, postimplementation: 88). Initial insulin dose was lower in the postimplementation group (p < 0.001). We found a nonsignificant reduction in hypoglycemia in the postimplementation group (42.1% vs. 30.7%, p = 0.10). Degree of potassium reduction was similar in patients who received insulin 5 units vs. 10 units (p = 0.72). Higher pretreatment glucose (log odds ratio [OR] -0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.08 to -0.02) and additional insulin administration (log OR -1.55, 95% CI -3.01 to -0.25) were associated with reduced risk of developing hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

A hyperkalemia protocol update was not associated with a significant reduction in hypoglycemia, and the incidence of hypoglycemia remained higher than anticipated. Future studies attempting to optimize treatment in this high-risk population are warranted.

Hyperkalemia: Prevalence, Predictors and Emerging Treatments

It is well established that an elevated potassium level (hyperkalemia) is associated with a risk of adverse events including morbidity, mortality and healthcare system cost. Hyperkalemia is commonly encountered in many chronic conditions including kidney disease, diabetes and heart failure. Furthermore, hyperkalemia may result from the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi), which are disease-modifying treatments for these conditions. Therefore, balancing the benefits of optimizing treatment with RAASi while mitigating hyperkalemia is crucial to ensure patients are optimally treated. In this review, we will briefly discuss the definition, causes, epidemiology and consequences of hyperkalemia. The majority of the review will be focused on management of hyperkalemia in the acute and chronic setting, emphasizing contemporary approaches and evolving data on the relevance of dietary restriction and the use of novel potassium binders.

Perspectives: Neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) in low and middle income countries (LMIC)

Neonatal AKI (NAKI) remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this perspective, we address issues of diagnosis and risk factors particular to less well-resourced regions. The conservative management pre-kidney replacement therapy (pre-KRT) is prioritized and challenges of KRT are described with improvised dialysis techniques also included. Special emphasis is placed on ethical and palliation principles.