Meta-Analysis: N-Acetylcysteine Is Effective for Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with periprocedural saline alone, N-acetylcysteine is the only drug that significantly lowers risk for contrast-induced nephropathy.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common cause of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. Using low doses of intravenous contrast, preprocedural hydration, and low- or iso-osmolar contrast agents lowers, but does not eliminate, this risk. Therefore, clinicians must consider the use of renoprotective agents in patients with marked kidney disease who are to receive contrast loads. However, previous studies of various drugs have not shown consistent benefits.

In a meta-analysis of 41 randomized controlled trials (that involved 6379 patients who had received elective radiographic procedures with IV iodinated contrast agents), researchers evaluated the effectiveness of various drugs (N-acetylcysteine [NAC], theophylline, fenoldopam, d…

Reviewing Author

Aaron J. Calderon, MD, FACP

Disclosures

EquityAbbott; Medtronic; Merck; Pfizer; CVS Health Corp.; Bristol Myers Squibb

Aaron J. Calderon, MD, FACP

Disclosures

EquityAbbott; Medtronic; Merck; Pfizer; CVS Health Corp.; Bristol Myers Squibb