Contrast-induced nephropathy risk due to emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Objective In this study, we aimed to compare serum creatinine, blood urea, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) levels of patients at baseline and 48 h after the administration of radiocontrast agent in the emergency department. Method We prospectively enrolled 114 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and had a baseline creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dl or less. Serum creatinine and blood urea levels were measured at baseline and 48 h after the administration of radiocontrast agent. GFR and Mehran risk score were calculated at baseline and 48 h after the administration of radiocontrast agent. Results Baseline mean serum creatinine was 1.03 +/- 0.25 mg/dl. Forty-eight hours after the administration of radiocontrast agent, mean serum creatinine was 1.04 +/- 0.31 mg/dl, baseline mean blood urea was 8.14 +/- 4.04 mmol/l, mean blood urea was 8.42 +/- 4.42 mmol/l, baseline mean GFR was 76.74 +/- 27.08 ml/min, and mean GFR was 77.21 +/- 27.92 ml/min. There were no significant differences between baseline and 48 h after the administration of radiocontrast agent serum creatinine, blood urea levels, and GFR (P > 0.05). Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference between basal and 48 h after the administration of radiocontrast agent serum creatinine and GFR levels of patients who were enrolled in this study. Results had shown that administration of intravenous radiocontrast agent (>= 100 ml) for emergency imaging in the emergency department did not produce a risk for contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with serum creatinine levels of 1.5 mg/dl or less. European Journal of Emergency Medicine 19: 20-23 (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.