To Bind or to Let Loose: Effectiveness of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in Decreasing Serum Potassium. (27th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sandal, Shaifali; Karachiwala, Hatim; Noviasky, John; Wang, Dongliang; Elliott, William C.; Lehmann, David F.
• Other Names: Tesch Greg Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of nephrology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-12-27
• Subjects: Nephrology -- Periodicals; Nephrology; Kidney Diseases; Nephrology; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Electronic journals; 616.61
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/940320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-214X

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The use of sodium polystyrene sulfonate in decreasing serum potassium has recently been questioned due to the lack of documented effectiveness. Methods . A retrospective cohort analysis of all hospitalized patients who received sodium polystyrene sulfonate over four months was performed. The change in serum potassium was noted over a period of 24 hours. Patients who received any other form of potassium-altering drug or treatment were excluded. Results . The administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate reduced serum potassium by 16.7% (P < 0.001 ) as compared to the baseline serum potassium over a period of 24 hours. During this same time, no change in serum creatinine was identified (P = 0.73 ). In addition, there was no correlation between potassium and creatinine change ( r 2 = 0.0004 and P = 0.99 ). Patients with higher initial serum potassium (≥5.6 mEq/L) reduced their potassium concentration 4% more than those with initial serum potassium of <5.6 mEq/L; however, this reduction did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.32 ). There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of 15 gm and 30 gm resin preparation (P = 0.54 ). Thirteen deaths were noted in our cohort, of which one death was due to ischemic colitis. Conclusion . We conclude that sodium polystyrene sulfonate is effective in lowering serum potassium.