Actualidad en nefropatía por medio de contraste

The use of contrast media in the diagnostic and therapeutic medical arsenal can cause adverse effects, such as renal toxicity and acute kidney injury, known as contrast-induced nephropathy. It is estimated that the incidence is about 0-5% among the population with normal renal function; however it can reach 12-27% among people with altered baseline renal function. Contrast-induced nephropathy is defined as an absolute (≥ 0.5 mg/dL) or relative increase (≥ 25%) of the serum creatinine within 24-72 hours post-exposure to the contrast media. It is the third leading cause of in-hospital acute kidney injuries, and it leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality of the population. As there is no specific treatment available for this condition, emphasis should be placed on prevention. Different pharmacological agents have been tested, but the use of iso-osmolar or hypo-osmolar contrast agents along with continuous hydration before, during, and after the intervention are the only methods that have currently achieved adequate nephroprotection.