Use of peak expiratory flow rate to identify patients with increased risk of contrast medium reaction. Results of preliminary study.
Although the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast media is usually well tolerated by patients, it does cause a significant number of side effects. The current study was designed to determine whether the measurement of peak-expiratory-flow rate before injection of contrast medium can be taken as a predictor of reactions to contrast media. The study covers a population of 100 patients who underwent excretory urography; those with a history of allergy or atopic hypersensitivity were given premedication before contrast injection. Peak-expiratory-flow measurements were made 10 minutes before, and immediately before injection, and at 1 and 15 minutes postinjection by a Wright flow meter. They revealed a subclinical bronchospasm after the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast medium that was more severe for subjects demonstrating an untoward reaction to contrast media. A single measurement of peak expiratory flow 10 minutes before contrast injection is, in itself, a good indicator of increased risk. A patient with a peak expiratory flow of less than 400 L/min 10 minutes before the injection, runs a 3.8 times higher risk of developing an adverse reaction to intravascular radiodiagnostic compounds in this study.
Bertrand
P
P
Service de Radiologie Adultes, Pr Rouleau, Chu Tours, France.
Rouleau
P
P
Alison
D
D
Chastin
I
I
D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011292:Premedication; D012307:Risk Factors
D003287:Contrast Media