Definition of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Needs an Overhaul

Patients who did and did not receive contrast experienced similar creatinine increases.

To study the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury, researchers retrospectively compared changes in serum creatinine levels between 773 adult emergency department patients who received intravenous contrast (for abdominal or chest computed tomography scans) and 2956 patients who did not. All patients had initial serum creatinine levels <1.5 mg/dL and repeat measurements within 48 to 72 hours. Acute kidney injury was defined as a >25% increase in serum creatinine over baseline or an absolute increase of ≥0.5 mg/dL, measured 48 to 72 hours after contrast exposure.

The incidence of acute kidney injury was significantly higher in patients who did not receive contrast than in those who did (9.0% vs. 5.7%). Baseline characteristics of t…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)