Evaluation of Causes of Hyperkalemia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Retrospective Single-Center Experience

Hyperkalemia is a major electrolyte disturbance with potentially life-threatening consequences. Varying prevalence and causes of hyperkalemia have been reported for study populations. Primary risk factors include renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus (DM) use certain medication such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. So far, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) not investigated. Our aim here to elaborate the underlying determine hyperkalemic Type 4 tubular acidosis (RTA) SLE patients. Among patients followed up at Department Rheumatology due between January 2010 February 2020, those potassium level ≥5.5 mEq/L (hyperkalemia) were identified. For patients, patient charts digital record system retrospectively searched clinical laboratory findings. Those non-SLE diagnosis without excluded. Causes classified failure/insufficiency [acute kidney injury, chronic disease (CKD)], medication, hormonal reasons (Addison’s disease, RTA), pseudo-hemolysis, others. was identified 35 who 40.1±16.9 years old, on average, 85.7% them female. In 57.1% (n=20) nephritis The most common type involvement Class IV nephritis, rate 68.7% (11/16). At time diagnosis, mean duration 5.2±5.52 activation index (SLEDAI) 19.8±13.4. Mean 6.6 ±1.08 mEq/L. Metabolic detected 40% cause failure/disease 45.7% (n=16), by 25.7%. two (5%) attributed RTA. When subsets compared their parameters, subset has higher creatinine (p≤0.001), but there no difference other parameters. line its occurrence general population, often occurs failure/disease. addition, RTA an important reason hyperkalemia. presenting should also be queried RTA, once are ruled out or event persistent