Key Summary
- Lower potassium threshold means earlier access to treatment.
- Helps patients continue RAAS inhibitors that protect kidneys and reduce death risk.
- Not recommended for people on dialysis.
A new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment for hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels) has been welcomed by Kidney Care UK.
Hyperkalaemia is a common condition found in patients suffering from kidney disorders as kidney helps the body to flush out excess potassium through urine.
This potassium builds up in the blood leading to hyperkalaemia.
NICE already recommends sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), brand name Lokelma, for patients with acute life-threatening hyperkalaemia.
This condition prevents patients from consuming normal level of blood pressure medication such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system RAAS inhibitors.
NICE has lowered the required potassium level to receive SZC, to help patients take RAAS inhibitor treatment as it slows kidney disease progression and reduces risk of death.
However, SZC is not recommended for patients undergoing dialysis.
The detailed final draft guidance by NICE will be published on 29 April.
