Clinical inquiries. What interventions reduce the risk of contrast nephropathy for high-risk patients?

Author(s): Grossman PD, Burroughs M, Guthmann RA

Affiliation(s): Del Norte Community Health Center, Crescent City, CA, USA. pdgrossman@yahoo.com

Publication date & source: 2005-04, J Fam Pract., 54(4):365-7.

Publication type: Review

Several interventions may reduce the risk of contrast nephropathy for high-risk patients; however, most evidence uses surrogate markers for clinically relevant outcomes. Because dehydration is a risk factor for developing contrast nephropathy, periprocedural hydration is routinely recommended (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, expert opinion). Single studies have suggested that isotonic saline is associated with less risk than half-normal saline, and hydration with fluids containing sodium bicarbonate is more efficacious than those containing isotonic saline (SOR: B, single randomized controlled trial [RCT]). Oral acetylcysteine lowers the risk of postcontrast elevations in creatinine if taken more than 24 hours before contrast administration (SOR: A, RCTs). Acetylcysteine's low cost and favorable side effect profile make it an appealing option. Hypo-osmolar contrast media are less likely to induce contrast nephropathy than hyper-osmolar media (SOR: A, RCTs). Finally, hemofiltration might be considered for patients with extremely high risk of developing contrast nephropathy (SOR: B, single RCT).