Side effects and pharmacokinetics of nonionic iodinated contrast medium in hemodialyzed patients

We conducted contrast CT scanning on 22 dialysis patients using the same method as usually applied to cases with normal renal function and studied the incidences and types of side effects and the pharmacological kinetics of non-ionic iodine contrast medium (Iopamiron 370, 100 ml). During the followup period (five days at most), we found localized urtication as a side effect in only one case (4.5%). Therefore we speculate that non-ionic contrast medium is a safe agent in dialysis patients, as long as it is cautiously used. After contrast medium injection, we conducted dialysis twice, which definitely decreased total blood iodine content. The extraction ratio at first dialysis was particularly high (73% on average). We recognized a statistically positive correlation between this extraction ratio and dialyzer size. Although two cases studied proved the notable acceleration of vicarious excretion in dialysis patients, this acceleration appeared only with high total blood iodine content. This phenomenon was considered mainly due to excretion from the hepatobiliary tract. Vicarious excretion appeared relatively soon after contrast medium injection (within a few hours), but showed a slower decreasing tendency.