Oral fluids may dilute contrast reaction risk in patients with kidney disorders

May 14, 2008 Oral fluids may dilute contrast reaction risk in patients with kidney disorders Shalmali Pal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Logistical and reimbursement limitations dictate that most CT exams be performed on an outpatient basis, making it difficult to manage contrast-related reactions, especially in patients with renal insufficiency. Oral hydration may be as effective as intravenous fluids for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in some instances, but further study is needed. "The number of patients at risk for contrast-induced nephropathy is going to increase, primarily due to the increase in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Administering routine IV fluids in the outpatient setting is challenging because of lack of staff and space," said Dr. Steven Weisbord, a staff nephrologist at the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, at the 2008 Stanford International Symposium on Multidetector-Row CT in Las Vegas..

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