title: The clinical epidemiology of contrast-induced nephropathy.
abstract: Recent improvements in contrast agents and radiologic imaging tools have resulted in an increasing number of patients undergoing contrast media (CM)-enhanced examinations. Although the majority of patients undergoing these diagnostic and therapeutic procedures experience only mild adverse events, some patient subpopulations are at risk for developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), an adverse event that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Contrast-induced nephropathy is usually defined as an increase of > or =25% in the serum creatinine level relative to baseline. Pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this disorder are not fully understood, but it is currently believed that disturbances in renal hemodynamics and a direct effect of CM on renal tubules are involved. In the general population, the incidence of CIN is estimated to be 1% to 6%. However, the risk may be as high as 50% in some patient subgroups. Patients with diabetes and pre-existing renal impairment are at high risk, and CIN incidence increases in patients with multiple comorbidities. The volume and osmolality of CM used also play a role in the development of CIN. Patients who develop CIN are more likely to die in-hospital and, for those who are discharged, 1-year mortality rates are high. Whether this is due to CM, comorbidity, or concurrent comorbid events is unclear. Randomized controlled trials that measure non-renal clinical outcomes are necessary to determine whether interventions that prevent CIN can also prevent non-renal adverse events. A review of the incidence, pathogenesis, and clinical consequences of CIN is provided.
authors.affiliation: Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. pparfrey@mun.ca
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parfrey
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003404:Creatinine