Stress-Dose Steroids: A Potential Therapeutic Option for Refractory Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia refractory to standard temporization measures can be life-threatening, and urgent hemodialysis is often utilized as a final resort. Our patient presented with hyperkalemia that was multifactorial in etiology, with acute kidney injury complicated by adrenal insufficiency. Her hyperkalemia was refractory to temporization and excretion agents, and hemodialysis was being considered. Given a recent infection, surgery, and borderline hypotension with low adrenocorticotropic hormone, there was a concern for adrenal insufficiency. However, a full investigation for secondary adrenal insufficiency via magnetic resonance imaging could not be conducted as the patient suffered from claustrophobia. Continued concern for adrenal insufficiency prompted the initiation of intravenous hydrocortisone, and the patient’s hyperkalemia resolved within 24 hours. While suspected adrenal insufficiency is already a basis for stress-dose steroids in the setting of pathologies such as severe sepsis, clinicians should have a low threshold for considering refractory hyperkalemia alone as an indication for stress-dose steroids. When dialysis is being considered as an option, this treatment modality should be given even more consideration. Adopting this practice may not only lead to improved mortality from hyperkalemia but also lead to fewer patients being exposed to the risks of dialysis.