INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY 

Minerva Cardioangiologica 2003 October;51(5):525-30

Copyright © 2003 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Acetylcysteine for the prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy

Tepel M.

Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy is the 3rd most common cause of in-hospital acute renal failure after hypotension and surgery. Radio-graphic contrast media are used at a progressive rate for several diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy will become more important, including risk of patient impairment and costs. Radiocontrast-induced ne-phropathy is due to vasoconstriction-mediated renal medullary ischemia and direct toxic damage to renal tubular epithelial cells. These effects may in part be mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species. Several prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in patients with moderate renal insufficiency showed that the prophylactic oral administration of acetylcysteine at a dose of 600 mg twice daily along with hydration prevents the reduction in renal function after radiocontrast administration. Recently, intravenous administration of acetyl-cysteine has also been shown to be effective. Use of acetylcysteine together with hydration is the treatment of choice to prevent radiocontrast-induced nephropathy.