Do the chemical properties of contrast agents impact upon the incidence of contrast-induced
nephropathy? Results from a recent randomized controlled study (the IMPACT study)
by V. Matarese
Introduction
Acute nephropathy subsequent to the administration of iodinated contrast medium
is a worrisome complication of diagnostic and interventional CT procedures.
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a major iatrogenic cause of renal failure and is
associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality.
Numerous clinical characteristics have been identified as CIN risk factors, but the incidence
of this complication also seems to depend on the contrast agent.
This latter topic has received much attention in recent years, but controversy remains as to
whether one class of contrast agents - or a specific product - can be considered safest. One
recent randomized controlled trial sheds new light on this topic.
