Acute renal failure. Association with administration of radiographic contrast material

Abstract

Fourteen cases of acute renal failure secondary to administration of radiographic contrast media were observed, eight within a 15-month period. No patient had multiple myeloma, and only three were diabetic. Predisposing factors included renal hypoperfusion, preexisting renal insufficiency, hyperuricemia, age of more than 60 years, solitary functioning kidney, and exposure to several contrast studies at closely spaced intervals. Control of blood volume and serum uric acid, appropriate spacing of radiographic studies, and possibly urinary alkalinization and hypouricosuric drugs in high-risk patients are recommended to decrease the incidence and morbidity of contrast-mediated nephropathy.