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Complement abnormalities during contrast media procedures
Insights
Both iothalamate and diatrizoate contrast media (CM) reduced complement levels in patients. Iothalamate caused a more significant drop, suggesting potential risks for immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intravascular contrast media (CM) are widely used in medical imaging.
- Understanding CM's effects on the immune system, specifically complement, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate complement system changes after administration of diatrizoate and iothalamate.
- To compare the effects of these two common CM on complement component C3 and total hemolytic function.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 26 patients before and 15 minutes after CM infusion.
- Complement component C3 levels and total hemolytic complement function were measured.
- Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) was used as an anticoagulant.
Main Results:
- Iothalamate administration led to a 28% drop in C3 and a 19% change in total hemolytic complement.
- Diatrizoate administration resulted in a 20% C3 decrease and a 15% reduction in total hemolytic complement.
- Iothalamate, being hyperosmolar and hyperviscous, may be responsible for greater complement alterations.
Conclusions:
- Both CM affect complement levels, with iothalamate showing a more pronounced effect.
- Hyperosmolarity and hyperviscosity of CM might influence complement activation.
- Patient screening for complement profiles could help minimize adverse reactions to CM.
Abstract:
Complement changes following the administration of the two most commonly used intravascular contrast media (CM) diatrizoate and iothalmate were studied in 26 patients by measuring complement component C3 levels and the total hemolytic function. Blood from these patients was obtained in plastic tubes containing 10 mM ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) prior to and 15 min after contrast media infusion. In thirteen patients who received iothalamate a 28% drop in C3 concentration and a 19% change in total hemolytic complement was seen. In the second group of thirteen patients diatrizoate caused a 20% C3 decrease and a 15% reduction in total hemolytic complement. Since iothalamate is a hyperosmolar and hyperviscous solution compared to diatrizoate, it is likely that these factors are responsible for changes in complement level which may present potential risk to patients with depressed immunologic status. This study suggests that screening of patients for their total complement profile may provide useful information in minimizing adverse reactions to contrast material.
