Patiromer Efficacy to Reduce Episodic Hyperkalemia in End Stage Renal Disease Patients

This is a prospective, randomized, open-label trial. Eligible ESRD patients who are on thrice weekly HD schedule will be screened from retrospective review of clinical and laboratory parameters from our clinical practice group. A total of 40 study participants (randomized 1:1 study drug: usual care) will be enrolled. Duration of study medication exposure will be 4 weeks. The total duration of study, from enrollment until the end of the washout period will be 7 weeks.

This is a proof of concept study, to determine whether administration of patiromer has the potential to change the risk category for ESRD patients who are on conventional HD schedules. In addition, the study will develop and pilot study procedures that could be implemented in a large-scale clinical trial. By nature of the limited size of the study, the power of the trial will be limited. Reducing serum potassium with the use of low dialysate potassium is actually associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, HD patients already carry a high pill burden, and it is unclear if prescription of an additional oral medication will reduce the frequency of episodic hyperkalemia.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and Females, age at least 18 years
• ESRD treated with thrice-weekly HD for ≥ 6 months.
• At least two measured pre-dialysis serum [K] ≥ 5.5 mEq/L or one [K] ≥ 6.0 mEq/L noted over the past three months
• Current use of dialysate with potassium concentration ≤ 2 mEq/L
• Typical consumption of at least two meals per day
• Have received customary dietary instruction over prior month
• Considered by the treating physician(s) to be in otherwise stable clinical condition.
• If patient is of childbearing potential, he/she will be willing to avoid pregnancy during the study using an acceptable birth control method.

Exclusion criteria

• Not considered by the treating physician(s) to be adherent with recommended dialysis schedule and prescribed medications
• Life expectancy < 3 months
• Dialysis-dependent for less than 6 months
• Non-elective hospitalization in prior 3 months
• Currently prescription of oral potassium supplements
• In the prior 3 months, therapy with oral potassium-lowering medication
• Underlying severe gastrointestinal disorders, including history of ischemic bowel.
• Corrected serum calcium concentration > 10.5 mg/dL in prior three months
• Anticipated kidney transplant within the next 3 months
• Prisoners or others who are involuntarily incarcerated or detained
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering pregnancy.
• Participation in a clinical trial of an experimental treatment within the past 30 days