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Published on: November 11, 2022
Management of hyperkalemia in children
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Insights
Hyperkalemia management in children requires timely intervention. This review covers causes, effects, and current/novel therapies for this potentially fatal condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Hyperkalemia is a critical electrolyte imbalance with severe health consequences.
- Current pediatric hyperkalemia management lacks standardization.
- Effective treatment is crucial to prevent life-threatening outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Standardized pediatric hyperkalemia management is needed.
- Novel agents show promise but require further pediatric investigation.
- This review provides a foundation for improved clinical practice.
Purpose Of Review:
Hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal electrolyte abnormality with no standardized management. The purpose of this review is to provide the knowledge needed for timely and effective management of hyperkalemia in children. It describes the utility of existing and novel therapies.
Recent Findings:
Two newer oral potassium binding agents, patiromer sorbitex calcium and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, have been FDA-approved for the management of hyperkalemia in adults. These newer agents offer hope for improved management, even though their use in pediatric patients requires further exploration.
Summary:
This review highlights the causes and life-threatening effects of hyperkalemia and provides a comprehensive overview of the management of hyperkalemia in both acute and chronic settings along with upcoming treatment strategies.
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