Original scientific paper

Ramipril and Risk of Hyperkalemia in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Mirna Krajina-Andričević
Lada Zibar
Karin Juras
Sanda Goll-Barić
Jerko Barbić

Abstract

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors provide well known cardiorenal-protective benefits added to antihypertensive
effects in chronic renal disease. These agents are underused in management of patients receiving hemodialysis
(HD) because of common concern of hyperkalemia. However, few studies have investigated effect of renin angiotensin
aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade on serum potassium in hemodialysis patients. We assessed the safety of ramipril in
patients on maintenance HD. We enrolled 28 adult end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated by maintenance HD
and prescribed them ramipril in doses of 1.25 to 5 mg per day. They underwent serum potassium concentration measurements
before ramipril introduction and in 1 to 3 months afterwards. No significant increase in kalemia was found. Results
of our study encourage the use of ACE inhibitors in chronically hemodialyzed patients, but close potassium monitoring
is mandatory.

Keywords

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; hyperkalemia; hemodialysis

Hrčak ID:

69145

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/69145

Publication date:

24.6.2011.

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