Healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with hyperkalemia in a large managed care population

Abstract Background Hyperkalemia is a serious metabolic condition and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias sudden death. Guideline-directed medications that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis increase serum potassium may limit their use. has been shown drive healthcare resource utilization (HRU) costs for patients with cardiorenal conditions. Objectives To describe hyperkalemic patient characteristics quantify HRU relative normokalemic from large US health plan. Methods A retrospective cohort study identified evaluated population administrative claims database. The observation period was 1 January 2015 31 May 2018, 1-year follow-up after index date (the earliest service/claim evidence of hyperkalemia). Primary outcomes included inpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, primary care physician (PCP)/specialist length stay (LOS) associated medical pharmacy costs. This stratified by system inhibitor (RAASi) chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage economic analysis. Key findings 86,129 adult hyperkalemia were in (median age: 69 years). There more males [45,155 (52%)], majority located Southern United States [45,541 (51%)] 70/30 split Medicare commercial Most had CKD, hypertension hyperlipidemia; ≥80% ≥4 comorbidities. Over 40% not receiving RAASi therapy, binder use low (<5%). Patients using optimal-dose proportion days covered observed have lowest ED PCP visits LOS days. Conclusions substantial development quality improvement program structured around management individuals heart failure, diabetes and/or CKD be necessary.