The Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Among Low-Risk Cancer Patients with Preserved Renal Function on Active...

Background/Objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common iatrogenic or medically induced condition among patients who receive intravenous infusion of iodinated contrast media that can cause renal insufficiency, raise the cost of care, and increase mortality risk. This study evaluated the incidence of CIN and predictors of renal function among cancer patients receiving contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Methods: A prospective, single-center longitudinal study was conducted at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City's (Jeddah) medical imaging department from December 2021 to December 2023. Convenience sampling was used to select patients who were exposed to CECT based on data filled in the electronic medical record during the study period. Results: The final sample constituted 80 patients (47.71% attrition, mean age = 55.5 years, 58.75% male). The high attrition rate was associated with participants with incomplete records, those who were lost to follow-up, and those whose follow-up Scr was collected after 72 h from CECT administration. There was no statistically significant change in Scr following contrast exposure (mean increase 0.9 µmol/L; paired t = 1.41, p = 0.162; Wilcoxon p = 0.326). The incidence of CIN was 3.75% (3 of 80 patients; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.28-10.39%). Regression analysis showed no statistically significant associations between the percentage change in Scr and age, sex, baseline creatinine, or eGFR category (model R² = 0.07). No clinically meaningful predictors of CIN were identified. Conclusions: The incidence of CIN in this study's cohort of low-risk cancer patients undergoing CECT was low, and contrast exposure did not produce significant short-term changes in renal function. These findings support the safety of modern contrast agents in oncology imaging, but multi-center studies with larger samples and more robust methods are warranted to refine CIN risk assessment in cancer patients undergoing CECT.