Iso-osmolality and low-osmolality iodinated contrast medium during intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography: Effect on renal function

Background: Iodinated contrast media are well tolerated, and their use is popular. However, the most life-threatening side effect of iodinated contrast media is acute renal damage. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to find the incidence of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury (CI-AKI) using Iso-Osmolar Contrast Media (IOCM) and Low-Osmolar Contrast Media (LOCM) in the general population. Material and Methods: This hospital-based observational study involved 40 subjects aged >18 years. An early increase in serum creatinine concentration of at least 0.5 mg/dl or a 25% increase in Serum Creatinine (SCr) from baseline were categorized as CI-AKI. The major outcome variable was SCr levels. The key explanatory variable was the intravenous contrast agent. For quantitative variables, mean ± SD were used, whereas, for categorical variables, frequency and proportion were used. Results: The IOCM group involved 37.50% and LOCM involved 62.50% subjects. The comorbidities recorded were diabetes in 17.50%, diabetes and hypertension in 15%, and hypertension in 12.50%. The mean baseline SCr amongst both the groups showed insignificant difference (p-0.527). There was an insignificant difference in the mean SCr between both the groups (p-0.302). The association between comorbidities and IV contrast agent was insignificant (p-0.412); the iodixanol group found a greater proportion (53.33%) compared to the iohexol group (40%). In the overall study population 92.50% had ≤ 1.4 and 7.50% had > 1.4 SCr levels implicating 7.50% incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN). Conclusion: The results reveal iodixanol to have no risk of CIN however, iohexol had high incidence of CIN.