Effect of nitrendipine on renal function and on hormonal parameters after intravascular iopromide

To evaluate the effect of the low-molecular nonionic radiographic contrast agent iopromide (Ultravist) on renal function, vasoactive peptides (angiotensin II, aldosterone, arginine vasopressin, and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)), and blood pressure, and to evaluate the influence of the calcium antagonist nitrendipine on these parameters. The findings were evaluated in a prospective double-blind and placebo-controlled randomized study.

Twenty-six patients undergoing routine aortofemoral arteriography for peripheral atherosclerotic disease were treated with nitrendipine tablets (10 mg) or placebo twice daily for a week. Angiography was performed on the fifth day of medication. Efficacy variables were determined on the day before and 2 days after arteriography. The glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were measured by the constant infusion technique. Renal tubular function was estimated from the clearance of lithium. Hormones were measured by radioimmunoassays.

Arteriography with iopromide did not change renal function. No differences between the nitrendipine and placebo groups were found in renal hemodynamics, tubular sodium handling, or blood pressure. Nitrendipine changed ANF (26.1%) compared to placebo (1.5%), whereas the other hormones were not affected.

The use of iopromide for angiography did not affect renal function in normotensive patients with peripheral atherosclerotic disease. Short-term treatment with nitrendipine may lower the plasma levels of ANF but it had no effect on renal function or blood pressure. Treatment with calcium antagonists prior to arteriography with iopromide is not indicated in these patients.