Balancing acute medical management of acute kidney injury and hyperkalaemia versus medicines optimisation for long-term Cardio-Renal-Metabolic (CaReMe) diseases: a narrative review

Abstract

Cardio-Renal-Metabolic (CaReMe) diseases, in the form of heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus, justify prescription of multiple prognostically beneficial medications, specifically renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. Use of these medications is complicated by association with adverse effects, particularly acute kidney injury and hyperkalaemia. Balancing risk and benefit is a common dilemma in acute medicine, with increasingly frequent and complex treatment decisions. Physicians should contemplate adjustments to medications within the context of not just acute illness but also long-term benefit. In the setting of hyperkalaemia, potassium-binding medications can be utilised. At hospital discharge optimisation of therapy can be achieved through clear safety netting advice, scheduled biochemical follow-up, and planned clinical review.