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Hyperkalaemia is an electrolyte imbalance that impairs muscle function and myocardial excitability, and can potentially lead to fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The prevalence of hyperkalaemia is estimated to be 6%-7% worldwide and 7%-10% in Asia. Hyperkalaemia frequently affects patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus, particularly those receiving treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Both hyperkalaemia and interruption of RAAS inhibitor therapy are associated with increased risks for cardiovascular events, hospitalisations, and death, highlighting a clinical dilemma in high-risk patients. Conventional potassium-binding resins are widely used for the treatment of hyperkalaemia; however, caveats such as the unpalatable taste and the risk of gastrointestinal side effects limit their chronic use. Recent evidence suggests that, with a rapid onset of action and improved gastrointestinal tolerability, novel oral potassium binders (e.g., patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) are alternative treatment options for both acute and chronic hyperkalaemia. To optimise the care for patients with hyperkalaemia in the Asia-Pacific region, a multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to review published literature, share clinical experiences, and ultimately formulate 25 consensus statements, covering three clinical areas: (i) risk factors of hyperkalaemia and risk stratification in susceptible patients; (ii) prevention of hyperkalaemia for at-risk individuals; and (iii) correction of hyperkalaemia for at-risk individuals with cardiorenal disease. These statements were expected to serve as useful guidance in the management of hyperkalaemia for health care providers in the region., (© 2024 The Authors. Nephrology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.)

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Oryeongsan (ORS, Wulingsan), a formula composed of five herbal medicines, has long been used for the treatment of impairments of the regulation of body fluid homeostasis in China, Japan and Korea. Aim of the study: The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of ORS on the renal function and the mechanisms involved in rats. Materials and methods: Experiments were performed in rats caged individually. Renal function and plasma levels of renin activity and aldosterone concentration were measured. Results: Treatment of ORS resulted in increases in urinary volume, excretion of Na+, K+, and Cl−, and glomerular filtration rate, and decreases in urinary osmolality and Na+ balance. Further, ORS decreased plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration. An increase in urinay excretion of Na+ was a function of glomerular filtration rate, while the increase in the day-time period was related with the increase in the ratio of urinary Na+/K+. Conclusion: Therefore, the present results suggest that ORS induces diuresis and natriuresis via inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]