Intravenous contrast media: use and associated mortality

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Public Health
• Pharmacovigilance

Background:

• Peripheral intravenous injections of radiocontrast media are common diagnostic procedures.
• Assessing the safety and utilization of these agents is crucial for patient care.
• Previous data on the incidence and mortality associated with radiocontrast media use is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the extent of use of peripheral intravenous radiocontrast media.
• To ascertain the mortality rates associated with these injections.
• To compare the safety profiles of low osmolar versus high osmolar contrast media.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of injection data from January 1987 to June 1990.
• Utilized Health Insurance Commission database and public hospital x-ray department records.
• Gathered mortality data through a survey of radiologists and other relevant sources.

Main Results:

• Over 613,000 intravenous contrast injections were administered in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
• The overall annual incidence of use was 2.9%, higher in individuals over 65 years (over 7%).
• Eight deaths were documented, yielding an overall mortality of 13 per million injections, with higher rates in those over 65.

Conclusions:

• Mortality associated with intravenous contrast media injection is a rare occurrence.
• No significant difference in mortality was observed between low osmolar and high osmolar contrast media.
• Further research may be warranted to explore specific risk factors and refine safety protocols.