[Contrast media in peripheral angiography: does cost reduction mean loss of quality and safety? A reevaluation based on a randomized double-blind comparative study of ioxaglate versus iopromide].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether meglumine-sodium-ioxaglate (Hexabrix) and iopromide (Ultravist) are identically appropriate for peripheral angiography. Outcome variables were pain, image quality and adverse events.


METHODS
Sixty patients were included in a randomised double-blind study. In all patients an intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (i.a. DSA) of iliac and peripheral arteries was performed.


RESULTS
Analysis of the study revealed no significant difference between both contrast media in terms of the main and additional outcome variables. In comparison to iopromide, ioxaglate caused milder pain sensations (VAS 4.70 vs. 7.76, p = 0.25). Mild adverse events were observed more frequently in ioxaglate angiography (11% vs. 0%, p = 0.1).


CONCLUSIONS
Both contrast media seem to be appropriate for peripheral angiography using DSA technique. Ioxaglate causes a cost reduction of about 20-35%. However, an increase of mild adverse reactions up to 11% to 15% has to be accepted.
Lammer
J
J
Klinische Abteilung für Angiographie und Interventionelle Radiologie, AKH-Universitätskliniken Wien.
Winkelbauer
F
F
Thurnher
S
S
Wildling
R
R
Farres
M T
MT
Woessmer
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics; D007485:Ioxaglic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012449:Safety
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide; D007485:Ioxaglic Acid