Urography with a low osmolality contrast agent. Comparison of Hexabrix with Conray 325

A double-blind, parallel group comparison study of Hexabrix and Conray 325 for adult intravenous urography was performed. Sixty patients with a mean age of 54 years were included. Doses of contrast ranged from 0.5-1.1 ml/kg for both groups with a mean of 0.7 ml/kg. Hematology, urinary and biochemical laboratory tests were performed prior to the study in all patients and at 24 hours afterward in nearly half the group. Biochemical laboratory tests were done at 72 to 96 hours in approximately one third of the patients. Hexabrix proved satisfactory for standard urography at a chosen dose of 16 g of iodine (50 ml). There were no statistically significant differences in the diagnostic quality of the urogram in the two groups except for bladder filling. The decreased osmotic diuresis associated with Hexabrix necessitated delayed bladder filming for optimal evaluation. Excellent patient tolerance was achieved with less pain on injection with Hexabrix. There was one death in the Hexabrix group in a patient with multiple medical problems. Although the patient's medical problems appeared well controlled and did not meet specific rejection criteria, they almost certainly played a role in his death. Hexabrix may be useful for adult urography at a lower dose range, eg, 16 g iodine, than is typically used, which also may be cost effective (competitive) given the higher projected cost of the new low osmolar agents.