[Determinants of hymerkalamia among patients with kidney failure undergoing conservative care at the national teaching hospital of Cotonou (Bénin)].

Hyperkalemia, characterized by an elevated serum potassium level, is a common and serious complication in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It can lead to major cardiovascular disorders, making rigorous management essential.

Objective

To study the determinants of hyperkalemia in patients with renal failure undergoing conservative treatment followed at the CNHU-HKM in Cotonou (Bénin) in 2024. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from October 1 to December 31, 2024, involving patients monitored in the teaching nephrology and hemodialysis clinic for end-stage chronic kidney disease. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old, on conservative treatment, and had provided informed consent. The dependent variable was a serum potassium level above 5.0 mmol/L associated with a cardiac disorder. Determinants were identified using a significance threshold of p < 0.05. A total of 110 patients were included. The mean age was 57 ± 1.3 years, with a sex ratio of 1.8. Among them, 30 patients developed hyperkalemia, representing a prevalence of 27.3 %. The identified determinants were male gender (aOR = 5.3; p = 0.024) and the use of ACE inhibitors (aOR = 5.1; p = 0.022). Hyperkalemia remains a frequent issue in nephrology, requiring increased vigilance and appropriate management, particularly for at-risk patients.