Low body mass index is a risk factor for hyperkalaemia associated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers treatments.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) represent the cornerstones of hypertension and congestive heart failure treatment. Risk factors for hyperkalaemia associated with ACEI and ARB are chronic kidney disease and concomitant medications which increase serum potassium level. Body mass index (BMI) also affects pharmacokinetics of ACEI and ARB and potassium disposition. We evaluated the relationship between BMI and hyperkalaemia associated with ACEI and ARB treatments.

METHODS

Study design is a retrospective case-control analysis. Patients who had been prescribed ACEI or ARB between June 2015 and June 2017 at Tokyo Women's Medical University, Medical Center East, were included. Patient clinical background was collected from medical records. Hyperkalaemia was defined as serum potassium above 5.5 meq/L. The concomitant use of ACEI and ARB, aldosterone antagonists, direct renin inhibitor, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was regarded as hyperkalaemia-inducing medications. The relationship between BMI and hyperkalaemia associated with ACEI and ARB treatments was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The study included 2987 patients aged 70.1 ± 12.9 years, 61.0% were men, and BMI was 23.8 ± 4.4 kg/m . The incidence of hyperkalaemia was 7.8%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age >65 years, low BMI, diabetes, history of treatment for hyperkalaemia, serum sodium <135 meq/L, eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m and the concomitant use of hyperkalaemia-inducing medications were independent risk factors for hyperkalaemia associated with ACEI and ARB.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that BMI provides useful information for the identification of potential risk for hyperkalaemia associated with ACEI and ARB treatments.