5 Recommendations for research

5.1 The committee noted that there was no clinical evidence showing that having patiromer improved length or quality of life or allowed patients to stay on optimal doses of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. It therefore considered that it would be valuable to have studies comparing patiromer plus standard care with standard care alone in people with confirmed hyperkalaemia of 6.0 mmol/litre and above, and that these should investigate:

  • mortality

  • disease progression

  • patterns of RAAS inhibitor use

  • healthcare utilisation and

  • health-related quality of life.

    The committee recalled that the DIAMOND trial is ongoing and may help to provide evidence on mortality (see section 3.11). However, the trial is not going to complete until 2022. The committee concluded that the guidance should be reviewed when evidence from DIAMOND is available.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)