n SA Journal of Radiology - Practical issues in the prevention and treatment of contrast nephrotoxicity : review article

Abstract

Extracted from text ... Kidney dysfunction is a serious complication that can occur following the administration of contrast media (CM). Although the incidence of contrast nephropathy (CN) is low in the general population (1 - 2%) it poses a serious risk to those with impaired kidney function. Other risks include diabetes, old age and dehydration. The first step in prevention is to identify patients at risk. In such patients a small dose of non-ionic iso-osmolar CM together with adequate hydration (preferably an intravenous infusion of 0.45% or 0.9% normal saline) and oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) dramatically reduces CN. Although the disease occurs infrequently with normal ..