Risk for GI events in hospitalized patients similar with newer, older potassium binders
A retrospective study comparing outcomes in U.S. veterans found that risk for intestinal ischemia/thrombosis and a composite outcome of serious GI events was low and did not differ in those who received sodium zirconium cyclosilicate or patiromer and those who received sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Newer potassium binders were not associated with a lower risk for GI events in hospitalized patients than an older drug, according to a recent retrospective cohort study.
Researchers used data from the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System to compare risk for intestinal ischemia/thrombosis or other serious GI events associated with sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and two newer drugs, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), in hospitalized patients.
The study, which was published Aug. 5 by the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found that while use of SPS or SZC in hospitalized patients was each associated with a small increased risk of intestinal ischemia/thrombosis, none of the potassium binders were associated with a composite outcome of serious adverse GI events. In addition, associations with intestinal ischemia/thrombosis or the composite outcome did not differ statistically between the two newer drugs and SPS.
A more complete summary of the study is available in the Aug. 14 ACP Hospitalist, a publication exclusive to ACP members. Single sign-on is required.