Frequency of Acute Renal Failure after Cardiac Catheterization and Percutaneous Intervention

Objectives: To observe the frequency of acute renal failure after percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiac catheterization. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study, comprising 200 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention at Aga Khan University Hospital. Patient aged above 18 years and not on regular dialysis was included in the study.Proper history and physical examination was carried out on every patient and properly hydrated with 50 ml/hr of normal saline except in-patient with congestive cardiac failure. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen was checked before procedure and 24 hrs after procedure. Amount and type of contrast media was noted. Main Outcome Measures: Serum creatinine after 24 hrs is compared with base line creatinine. Rise in serum creatinine of > 0.5 mg/dl, is labeled as contrast induced nephropathy. Result: Out of a total 199 patients (1 was excluded as he was on regular dialysis) 16 (8%) were found to have contrast induced nephropathy. Congestive cardiac failure and renal insufficiency were found to have significant association for development of contrast induced nephropathy. Conclusion: Contrast induced nephropathy is not a frequent complication. Contrast (ionic or nonionic) is safe to use in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiac catheterization even in presence of risk factors. However caution should be used in patient with congestive cardiac failure and antecedent renal insufficiency.