Background Patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those receiving hemodialysis (HD), are at risk of hyperkalemia (HK). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HK in patients with renal disease receiving HD and collate evidence on the effect of HK and differing HD patterns (i.e., long vs. short inter-dialytic intervals [LIDI and SIDI, respectively] in a thrice weekly schedule) on mortality. Methods Comprehensive searches were conducted across six databases and selected conference proceedings by two independent reviewers up to September 2020. A hundred and two studies reporting frequency of HK, mortality, or cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in adult patients with acute, chronic or end-stage renal disease in receipt of HD were included. Narrative synthesis of results was undertaken with key findings presented in tables and figures. Results Median prevalence of HK in patients with renal disease receiving HD was 21.6% and increased in patients receiving concomitant medications – mainly renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics. Associations between elevated potassium levels and increased risk of both all-cause and CV mortality in the HD population were consistent across the included studies. In addition, there was a rise in all-cause and CV mortality on the day following LIDI compared with the day after the two SIDIs in patients on HD. Conclusions Evidence identified in this systematic review indicates a relationship between HK and LIDI with mortality in patients with renal disease receiving HD, emphasizing the need for effective monitoring and management to control potassium levels both in emergency and chronic HD settings.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective and established treatment for symptomatic aortic stenosis. However, there is a lack of consensus concerning the need for peri- and post-procedural anti-thrombotic medication. Contemporary guidelines recommend that anti-thrombotic therapy is balanced against a patient’s bleeding risk following TAVI, but do not fully consider the evolving evidence base. The purpose of the Delphi panel recommendations presented here is to provide a consensus elicited from a panel of experts who regularly prescribe anti-thrombotic therapy post-TAVI. The goal was to address evidence gaps across four key topics: anti-thrombotic therapy (anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulant) in TAVI patients in sinus rhythm; anti-thrombotic therapy in TAVI patients with AF; direct oral anti-coagulants versus vitamin K antagonists; and the need for UK/Ireland specific guidance. This consensus statement aims to inform clinical decision-making by providing a concise, evidence-based summary of best practice for prescribing anti-thrombotic therapies following TAVI and highlights areas where further research is needed.

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