Case Study:
Aligned recommendations for managing hyperkalaemia across the cardiorenal spectrum
The Client
Our client is a world leader in treatments supporting nephrology and cardiology patients. They commissioned us to help develop consensus recommendations on the optimal management of hyperkalaemia in the cardiorenal patient using a modified Delphi method. This organisation are a manufacturer of a novel treatment for hyperkalaemia.
Therapy Area
Hyperkalaemia is a potentially life-threatening elevation in blood potassium levels that is particularly common amongst patients with cardiorenal comorbidities (e.g. heart failure and chronic kidney disease). Renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are a mainstay of treatment for cardiorenal patients but are associated with an increased risk of hyperkalaemia. When hyperkalaemia presents, RAASi therapy is often dose reduced or discontinued with subsequent loss of the cardiorenal protection those agents confer.
Opportunity
Opinion exists that RAASi doses should be maintained / increased while the risk or occurrence of hyperkalaemia should be managed with appropriate treatment. Guideline recommendations across cardiology and nephrology specialities vary and leads to variation in clinical practice. This coupled with the fact that cardiologists and nephrologists generally work independently means that best practice is unclear.
Approach
Working with the client from mid 2021, we identified the opportunity to implement a Delphi consensus that was designed to:
- Align perspectives from cardiologists & nephrologists on recommendations for clinical best practice today
- Help support appropriate updates to future guidelines
