Introduction:
Hyperkaliemia is a common complication of ESKD. Dietary restriction is difficult and cation exchange resin such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate are usually needed. However, these medications are still very expensive in our context. We sought to evaluate the effect of Kalaba clay on potassium level in rats with kidney failure.
Methods:
We conducted an experimental study with adult Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal injection of adenine was used to induced kidney failure (KF). Samples of Kalaba clay were collected and analyzed by Geolabs, in Ontario-Canada. Red clay from Balengou region in Cameroon was used because of its low lead concentration. After induction of KF, these rats were randomized into 3 groups and treated for 2 weeks : group A received distilled water while group K500 and K1000 received 500 and 1000mg/kg/day of Kalaba clay respectively. We had a control group: group N made of rats with normal kidney function; and they received only distilled water during the study period. GFR was estimated by creatinine clearance, and KF was defined by Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<60ul/min.
Results:
Mean GFR was comparable in rats with KF (A: 31.8±21ul/min, K500: 35.4±10.7ul/min, K1000 : 34.52±12.1ul/min, p=0,9) and higher in normal rats (169.7±25ul/min). The mean serum albumin level was significantly lower in KF groups compared to group N (A 34,5±2.5g/l, K500 38.5±1g/l, K1000 34.3±3g/l and N 41.7±2g/l; p=0,007). Potassium was significant lower in rat treated with Kalaba clay ( A: 7.36±0.4mmol/l, Kalaba groups: 5.98±0.4mmol/l, N : 6.35±0.35mmol/l, p=0.003) and potassium was lower in K1000 group ( K500 6.1±0.4mmol/l, K1000 5.8±0,4mmol/l, p=0,007). Hemoglobin levels were similar in groups with KF including group A (A 8.76±0,8g/dl, K500 9.56±0.8g/dl, K1000 8.8±0.4g/dl, p=0.116).
Conclusions:
Balengou red Kalaba clay reduced potassium level without modification of hemoglobin levels in rats with KF. Hence it may be a cost-effective treatment of hyperkaliemia in our context
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.