How to Deal with Hyperkalemia in Renal Failure

Hyperkalemia means that the serum potassium is high. It can be asymptomatic, meaning that there is no symptoms. The main symptoms of hyperkalemia include slow heartbeat and weak pulse. Severe hyperkalemia can result in fatal cardiac standstill (heart stoppage). Generally, a slowly rising potassium level (such as with chronic Renal Failure) is better tolerated than an abrupt rise in potassium levels.

Potassium is a major ion of the body. Nearly 98% of potassium is intracellular, with the concentration gradient maintained by the sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ –ATPase) pump. The ratio of intracellular to extracellular potassium is important in determining the cellular membrane potential. Small changes in the extracellular potassium level can have profound effects on the function of the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, and total body potassium stores are approximately 50 mEq/kg (3500 mEq in a 70-kg person).

Minute-to-minute levels of potassium are controlled by intracellular to extracellular exchange, mostly by the sodium-potassium pump that is controlled by insulin and beta2 receptors. A balance of GI intake and renal potassium excretion achieves long-term potassium balance.

The effective way to lower the hyperkalemia is to treat renal failure, for it is the root. Immunotherapy for chronic and acute renal failure can achieve remarkable curative effects. This therapy can inhibit the fibrosis progression, reduce blood creatinine concentration and nephritic ischemia. 

Through Immunotherapy, we can not only maximally repair damaged renal cells, normalize hypertension but also alleviate symptoms like edema, proteinuria and occult blood. For some patients, they can reduce the frequency of dialysis or even get away from the dependence on dialysis
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