Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Contrast-Enhanced Procedures

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells. Renal impairment is a common complication. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a form of acute renal failure that can occur in the setting of IV contrast administration. It is more commonly seen in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Patients with MM commonly require contrast enhanced procedures. The literature regarding the safety of IV contrast in this cohort is lacking. A retrospective review was carried out in a university hospital to identify the incidence of CIN in patients with MM and to look for associated risk factors. 94 patients and 165 procedures were included in the analysis. 10% of procedures resulted in CIN. 59% (10/17) of creatinines had normalized within one month of the procedure. The only factor found to be significant for the development of CIN was the timing of the procedure (<18mths verses >18mths post diagnosis of MM; p = 0.045). CIN appears to occur at an increased rate in patients with MM. However this may be an over-estimation given the common occurrence of renal impairment in this cohort and the close temporal relationship which often exists between systemic illness and contrast-enhanced procedures.