Sodium Bicarbonate Versus Saline for the Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy

Sodium Bicarbonate Versus Saline for the Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Contrast-induced nephrophaty (CIN) accounts for more than 10% of hospital-acquired renal failure. Hydration with sodium bicarbonate is more protective than isotonic saline in animals. Limited data are available in humans. We compared the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate versus isotonic saline to prevent CIN in a large population of patients with renal dysfunction undergoing coronary angiography or intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min

Exclusion Criteria:

• contrast medium administration within the previous 10 days
• end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis
• refusal to give informed consent