Acetylcysteine and nephrotoxic effects of radiographic contrast agents -- a new use for an old drug

Article Abstract:

Acetylcysteine may protect the kidneys from the harmful effects of contrast agents. Contrast agents are used during CT scans and coronary angiograms but they can harm the kidneys. This is even more likely if the patient already has kidney disease. A study published in 2000 found that patients with existing kidney disease who received acetylcysteine before and during a CT scan had less kidney damage than those who received a placebo, or inactive substance. Patients with diabetes and kidney disease could receive acetylcysteine during coronary angiography, since they have a high risk of heart disease.

Editorial

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Prevention of radiographic-contrast-agent-induced reductions in renal function by acetylcysteine

Article Abstract:

Acetylcysteine appears to protect the kidneys from the toxic effects of some contrast agents. Contrast agents are given to patients who are having a CT scan. Researchers randomly assigned 83 patients with chronic kidney failure to take acetylcysteine or a placebo before and after they received a contrast agent during a CT scan. Twenty-one percent of the patients who received a placebo developed a mild worsening of their kidney function, compared to 2% of those who received acetylcysteine.

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BK-related polyomavirus vasculopathy in a renal-transplant recipient

Article Abstract:

Researchers present the case of a 52-year-old man who received a kidney transplant to treat diabetic kidney failure. Seven months later, he developed muscle weakness, an accumulation of fluid in his tissues, and eventually died of a heart attack. Autopsy showed an infection by a polyomavirus that attacked his blood vessels, causing them to leak.

Case studies, Cardiovascular diseases, Polyoma virus, Polyomavirus

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