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Clearance of gadolinium chelates by hemodialysis: an in vitro study

P L Choyke1, M E Girton, E M Vaughan

  • 1Department of Radiology, Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Insights

Gadolinium (Gd)-chelates are not readily cleared by dialysis, with clearance rates significantly lower than urea and creatinine. Over 12 hours of dialysis may be needed to remove 97% of Gd-chelates.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Radiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gadolinium (Gd)-chelates are used as contrast agents in medical imaging.
  • Current clinical use considers Gd-chelates as readily dialyzable.
  • Published data on actual Gd-chelate dialysis clearance rates are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine in vitro dialysis clearance rates for commonly used Gd-chelates.
  • To inform rational strategies for enhancing Gd-chelate removal via dialysis.
  • To compare Gd-chelate clearance with established dialysis efficiency benchmarks.

Main Methods:

  • Three Gd-chelates (Gd-DTPA, Gd-HP-DO3A, Gd-DTPA-BMA) were diluted in plasma and saline.
  • Dialysis was performed using a clinical dialyzer unit with a capillary filter at varying flow rates (0-300 cc/min).
  • Predialyzer and postdialyzer concentrations were measured using atomic emission photometry; urea and creatinine clearances were also determined.

Main Results:

  • Gd-chelate clearance rates were substantially lower than those of urea and creatinine.
  • At 300 cc/min, Gd-DTPA clearance was 74 cc/min, while Gd-HP-DO3A and Gd-DTPA-BMA were 67 cc/min.
  • No significant difference in clearance was observed between saline and plasma, indicating minimal protein binding.

Conclusions:

  • Gd-chelates exhibit low dialysis clearance rates, challenging the assumption of ready dialyzability.
  • Efficient removal of Gd-chelates requires prolonged dialysis times, estimated at 12.2 to 14.7 hours for 97% removal.
  • These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of dialysis protocols for patients administered Gd-chelates.

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