Background

Hyperkalemia is common among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and consequently contributes to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Senna glycoside may decrease colonic transit time and potassium colonic reabsorption.

Methods

Patients on hemodialysis were randomized to receive either oral senna glycoside (n=37) or control (n=36) for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were predialysis serum potassium and prevalence of hyperkalemia.

Results

At the end of the study, significantly reduced serum potassium concentrations were observed in the senna glycoside compared with the control (-0.32 (95%CI -0.43, -0.04) vs. -0.02 (95%CI -0.12, 0.05) mEq/L, P<0.001, respectively). The prevalence of hyperkalemia during the study occurred at 13.8% in the control and 5.4% in the senna glycoside (P=0.309). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Among patients with ESRD on hemodialysis, senna glycoside significantly decreases serum potassium level. Senna glycoside is a safe and possibly effective alternative treatment for hyperkalemia in ESRD.

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