title: N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common clinical problem that is growing in importance as an increasing number of tests and procedures that utilize contrast media are performed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The biological and pharmacological properties of n-acetylcysteine (NAC) are reviewed, as well as the current literature relevant to the ability of NAC to prevent CIN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After publication of a seminal study by Tepel et al. in 2000, there has been a surge in interest regarding the ability of NAC to reduce the risk for CIN. Since then a large number of studies, mostly with relatively small sample sizes, have been published.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results have been remarkably varied with some studies finding great efficacy with NAC but most finding no significant benefit.
authors.affiliation: Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, New York 11501, USA. sfishbane@winthrop.org
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fishbane
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine