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Updated: May 10, 2026

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Published on: July 3, 2013
[Contrast-induced nephropathy]
A Humbert1, S Kissling, D Teta
1Service de néphrologie et consultation d'hypertension, Département de médecine interne, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. antoine.humbert@chuv.ch
Insights
Contrast-induced nephropathy, a cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, can be prevented with intravenous fluids. Sodium bicarbonate may be more effective than saline for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury.
- Patients with specific risk factors are particularly susceptible to CIN, which increases morbidity and mortality.
- Effective prevention strategies for CIN are crucial in clinical practice.
Purpose:
- To review the current evidence on the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy.
- To compare the efficacy of different intravenous fluid strategies for CIN prevention.
- To evaluate the role of N-acetylcysteine in CIN prophylaxis.
Summary:
- Volume expansion with intravenous fluids, specifically sodium chloride 0.9% or sodium bicarbonate 1.4%, is the primary method for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.
- Comparative randomized controlled trials suggest a potential benefit of sodium bicarbonate over saline in preventing CIN.
- Current evidence indicates that N-acetylcysteine does not offer additional protective benefits when used with intravenous fluids for CIN prevention.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of appropriate fluid management in patients undergoing procedures with contrast media.
- Suggests a preferred intravenous fluid (sodium bicarbonate) for CIN prevention based on available evidence.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding the use of N-acetylcysteine, advising against its routine use for CIN prophylaxis.
Abstract:
Iodine and gadolinium-based contrast induced nephropathy is the third leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. It is essentially observed in patients with defined risk factors and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The prevention of contrast induced nephropathy consists in volume expansion through intravenous sodium chloride 0.9% or sodium bicarbonate 1.4%. Comparative randomized controlled trials appear to show a benefit in favor of sodium bicarbonate over saline fluids. According to last evidence, N-acetylcysteine does not provide additional benefit over intravenous fluids.
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