Iohexol and metrizamide for urography in infants and children

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Pharmacology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Contrast media are essential for diagnostic imaging procedures like urography.
• Metrizamide, an older iodinated ionic contrast agent, has been used but can cause adverse effects.
• Nonionic contrast media offer potential advantages in terms of safety and patient tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and diagnostic efficacy of the new nonionic contrast medium iohexol against metrizamide.
• To evaluate adverse reactions and image quality in pediatric urography using iohexol versus metrizamide.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind investigation was conducted involving 40 children under six years of age.
• Urography was performed using either iohexol or metrizamide.
• Adverse reactions and erythrocyte volume fraction (hematocrit) were monitored.

Main Results:

• Adverse reactions to both iohexol and metrizamide were negligible.
• A minor, temporary decrease in hematocrit was observed in both groups post-injection.
• Excellent radiographic films were obtained in most patients.
• No significant difference in diagnostic image quality was found between iohexol and metrizamide.

Conclusions:

• Iohexol is a safe and effective nonionic contrast medium for pediatric urography.
• Iohexol provides diagnostic quality comparable to metrizamide with minimal adverse effects.
• The findings support the use of iohexol in pediatric imaging.