Haemodynamic-guided fluid administration for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury: the POSEIDON randomised controlled trial

Deep learning for the prediction of acute kidney injury after coronary angiography and intervention in patients with chronic kidney disease: a model development and validation study

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered the primary population at risk for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), yet there are few predictive tools specifically designed for this vulnerable population.

METHODS

Adult CKD patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention at the Second Xiangya Hospital (2015-2021) were enrolled. The patients were divided into a derivation cohort and a validation cohort based on their admission dates. The primary outcome was the development of PC-AKI. The random forest algorithm was used to identify the most influential predictors of PC-AKI. Six machine learning algorithms were used to construct predictive models for PC-AKI. Model 1 included only preoperative variables, whereas Model 2 included both preoperative and intraoperative variables. The Mehran score was included in the comparison as a classic postoperative predictive model for PC-AKI.

RESULTS

Among the 989 CKD patients enrolled, 125 (12.6%) developed PC-AKI. In the validation cohort, deep neural network (DNN) outperformed other machine learning models with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.733 (95% CI 0.654-0.812) for Model 1 and 0.770 (95% CI 0.695-0.845) for Model 2. Furthermore, Model 2 showed better performance compared to the Mehran score (AUROC 0.631, 95% CI 0.538-0.724). The SHapley Additive exPlanations method provided interpretability for the DNN models. A web-based tool was established to help clinicians stratify the risk of PC-AKI (https://xydsbakigroup.streamlit.app/).

CONCLUSION

The explainable DNN models serve as promising tools for predicting PC-AKI in CKD patients undergoing coronary angiography and intervention, which is crucial for risk stratification and clinical descion-making.

Sustained Improvements After Intervention to Prevent Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In the IMPROVE AKI (A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Team-Based Coaching Interventions to Improve Acute Kidney Injury) trial, a combination of team-based coaching and data-driven surveillance dashboards reduced the odds of AKI following cardiac catheterization by 46%. The objective of this study was to determine if improvements in AKI outcomes would be sustained after completion of the active intervention.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 2×2 factorial cluster-randomized trial with an 18-month active intervention phase (October 2019-March 2021) and an 18-month sustainability phase (April 2021-September 2022) conducted among cardiac catheterization laboratories in 20 Veterans Affairs sites. Interventions included team-based coaching in a virtual learning collaborative or technical assistance, with and without access to an automated surveillance reporting dashboard. Data were collected on procedures involving adult patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary interventions and not receiving chronic dialysis. The main outcome was AKI within 7 days of cardiac catheterization among all participants and those with preexisting chronic kidney disease. In addition, survey and focused interview data were collected to understand barriers and facilitators to sustaining AKI improvements. In this phase, 440 of 4160 patients experienced AKI, including 216 of 1260 patients with chronic kidney disease. Compared with technical assistance alone, we observed a reduction in AKI among virtual learning collaborative + automated surveillance reporting sites (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.42-0.86]). Sites had implemented standardized orders (11), oral and intravenous hydration standing orders (13), and contrast limiting protocols (10).

CONCLUSIONS

Team-based coaching coupled with data-driven surveillance dashboards reduced AKI by 40% during the 18 months after active participation in the trial. Process improvement education, care process standardization, and automated outcome feedback may be effective and durable methods for reducing AKI.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique Identifier: NCT03556293.

Tailored hydration for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury after coronary angiogram or PCI: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a frequent complication of coronary interventions associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. The optimal intravenous hydration strategy to prevent CI-AKI is not well-established. The primary objective is to determine if a tailored hydration strategy reduces the risk of CI-AKI and of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing coronary angiography compared with a nontailored hydration strategy.

METHODS

A study-level meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing tailored versus nontailored hydration strategies for the prevention of CI-AKI (primary outcome) and of MACE (main secondary outcome) in patients undergoing coronary angiography for any indication was performed. Tailored hydration was defined as the administration of intravenous fluids based on patient-specific parameters other than weight only.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included (n = 4,458 participants). The overall risk of bias was moderate. A tailored strategy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of CI-AKI (RR = 0.56, 95% CI, [0.46-0.69], P < .00001; I2 = 26%), and of MACE (RR = 0.57, 95% CI, [0.42-0.78], P = .0005; I2 = 12%). A tailored hydration strategy was not associated with a significant reduction in the other prespecified secondary outcomes, except for all-cause mortality (RR = 0.57, 95% CI, [0.35, 0.94], P = .03; I2 = 0%). The impact of a tailored strategy on the primary outcome was consistent in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that tailored hydration is superior to nontailored hydration in reducing the risk of CI-AKI and MACE in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Future trials are required to identify the optimal tailored hydration strategy.

Risk of acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention with plaque modification

BACKGROUND

The use of plaque modification techniques during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has increased. However, these procedures are linked to higher contrast volume and hypotensive episodes, which are risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI). This study examined the effects of various plaque modification techniques on AKI after PCI.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PCI at our institution between December 2020 to March 2024, categorizing them into 3 groups based on the plaque modification technique used: atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), or no plaque modification (NPM). The primary endpoint was AKI, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of AKI. Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching (1:1) were performed to control for confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 1758 patients were included. Atherectomy was performed in 268 (15.2 %) patients, IVL in 120 (6.8 %) patients, and 1370 (77.9 %) patients had NPM. Atherectomy patients were older and had worse baseline renal function than the IVL and NPM groups (p < 0.001 for both). Compared with NPM, atherectomy was an independent predictor of AKI (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.98, p = 0.037), while IVL was not (OR 1.30, 95 % CI 0.84-2.08, p = 0.209). In a propensity-matched analysis of 101 atherectomy and IVL patient pairs, atherectomy-based PCI remained associated with a higher rate of AKI (11.9 % vs. 2.0 %; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Atherectomy, but not IVL, is associated with a higher risk of AKI after PCI, compared to NPM. This underscores the importance of thoughtfully selecting plaque modification strategies in high-risk patients to reduce renal adverse events following PCI.

Efficacy of the Renal-guard system in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy following cardiac interventions among patients with chronic kidney disease

Background

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), also called as contrast associated-acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a common complication following cardiac procedures. KDIGO guidelines define CIN as a ≥25% increase in serum creatinine or an absolute increase of at least 0.5 mg/dl 48-72 h post-contrast administration. The single most effective measure in preventing CIN is peri-procedural intravascular hydration typically from 12 h before to 24 h after contrast media exposure but has limitations. Recently, the RenalGuard (RG) system has emerged as a new tool, demonstrating safer and more efficient hydration and reducing the incidence of AKI caused by CIN.

Aims

We conducted this meta-analysis on the effectiveness of the RG system in preventing CIN in patients undergoing cardiac interventions.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed (MEDLINE), Science Direct, and Embase was conducted from its inception until February 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including patients aged >18 years undergoing cardiac procedures with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20-60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50%. The outcomes of interest were risk of CIN, risk of renal replacement therapy (RRT), in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), changes in serum creatinine (sCr) levels, and incidence of pulmonary edema. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) [Computer Program] Version 5.4 Cochrane Collaboration.

Results

A total of 9 RCTs including 3,215 patients with CKD undergoing cardiac procedures on volume expansion strategies were included with 1,802 patients on the RG system and 1,413 patients using alternate volume expansion techniques. Pooled analysis of 9 RCTs reported a significantly lower risk of CIN in patients using the RG system vs. control [OR 0.51 (0.35, 0.74), P = 0.0004; I2 = 55%]. There was no significant difference in the risks of RRT, in-hospital mortality, 30-day MACE, pulmonary edema, or change in sCr levels.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates the beneficial utilization of the RG system in populations with moderate-to-high risk and underlying CKD undergoing cardiac interventions in preventing CIN. However, it did not demonstrate a notable impact on mortality, RRT, MACE, pulmonary edema, and sCr levels when compared to the control group.

Effects of Artificial Intelligence Clinical Decision Support Tools on Complications Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have been created that incorporate unique patient characteristics to risk stratify patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The most frequent complications following PCI are contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and postprocedural bleeding, resulting in increased adverse outcomes, length of stay (LOS), and health care costs. Our study investigates the impact of AI clinical decision support tools on these events.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing PCI at our institution from April 2023 to March 2024 was performed. All patients had an ePRISM (Terumo Health Outcomes AI clinical decision support tool) generated risk assessment and maximum contrast volume recommendation reported during procedure time-out. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the incidence of post-PCI CI-AKI, bleeding events, and LOS.

Results

A total of 642 patients were analyzed. The incidence of CI-AKI significantly declined from a baseline of 10% to an average of 2.18% (P < .0001). Of the remaining CI-AKI, 92.9% occurred in hospitalized patients. The incidence of bleeding complications declined from a baseline incidence of 2.15 per month to an average of 1.54 per month. Our institution's average LOS declined from a baseline of 3.44 to 1.79 days.

Conclusions

AI clinical decision support tools can be effectively incorporated into clinical practice. ePRISM successfully risk-stratified patients undergoing PCI for CI-AKI and bleeding events and gave meaningful recommendations which resulted in a significant reduction in adverse events and LOS.

Study of fluoroscopic landmarks in IVUS guided zero contrast PCI - A single centre experience

INTRODUCTION

Contrast induced nephropathy is third most common cause of renal insufficiency following percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI) and patients with preexisting renal dysfunction are even at a higher risk for poor outcomes. With the advent of intravascular imaging, safety and efficacy of angioplasty can be improved significantly in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This observational prospective study included 72 consecutive patients with CKD(eGFR ≤45 ml/min/m2) and established CAD who underwent absolute zero contrast PCI at a single tertiary center.PCI was planned in patients with significant stenosis and indications for revascularization.All Procedures were performed under dry fluoroscopy and IVUS guidance without use of any contrast.Informed consent, clinical,procedural and follow-up data was collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Total 72 patients (90 vessels) with median age of 63 years and eGFR (34.1 ml/min/1.73 m2) underwent zero contrast PCI. Procedure was performed by Femoral (45.6 %)and radial (54.4%) route. Total 11 patients (15.3%) underwent left main stenting. Fluoroscopic landmarks such as side-branch wiring (71.1%),floating wire in aorta (22.2 %), calcifications (21.1%), bony landmarks such as ribs or vertebrae (45.5%) and Sternal wires/clips (6.6%) were used in addition to IVUS to enable more accurate placement of stent.Technical and procedural success were achieved in 91.1% and 97.2% of patients.One patient died in hospital due to non-cardiac cause and one patient required hemodialysis.Post procedure at 48 hrs, there was no deterioration of renal function.On 3 months followup, there was no significant major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that with the help of fluoroscopy landmarks and intravascular imaging, zero contrast PCI can be performed safely with good clinical outcomes in patients at risk of nephropathy.

Ultra-Low-Contrast PCI: A Structured Approach to Reducing Dependence on Contrast Vessel Opacification in PCI

Since its inception, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has relied upon vessel opacification with iodinated contrast to plan, guide, and assess the results of the procedure. Yet revisiting this fundamental concept is important in contemporary PCI practice, especially in patients with high-risk clinical or anatomical profiles. In addition to decreasing the probability of acute kidney injury during PCI, limiting the volume of iodinated contrast allows the operator to perform more thorough interventions by relying on intracoronary imaging and physiology, ultimately contributing to more complete revascularization and improving the efficacy and durability of the intervention. Ultra-low-contrast PCI (ULCPCI) may thus be useful in performing PCI not only in patients with chronic renal dysfunction but also in those with multivessel coronary artery disease, impaired left ventricular function, and many other scenarios. The aim of this review is to highlight contemporary PCI scenarios in which a ULCPCI approach may be beneficial. The authors provide a structured approach to address the challenges faced by operators in transitioning from conventional contrast-based interventions to ULCPCI, with practical solutions that are accessible to most interventionalists. The reader will learn that ULCPCI is feasible in contemporary practice as a result of technological innovation, the implementation of dedicated skills, and redefining the role of angiography as the cornerstone of contemporary PCI.

The impact of chronic kidney disease on prognosis in acute stroke: unraveling the pathophysiology and clinical complexity for optimal management

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases stroke risk and severity, posing challenges in both acute management and long-term outcomes. CKD contributes to cerebrovascular pathology through systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, impaired cerebral autoregulation, and a prothrombotic state, all of which exacerbate stroke risk and outcomes.

METHODS

This review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed literature to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking CKD and stroke. It evaluates the efficacy and safety of acute reperfusion therapies-intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy-in CKD patients with acute ischemic stroke. Considerations, such as renal function, drug dosage adjustments, and the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, are critically analyzed. Evidence-based recommendations and research priorities are drawn from an analysis of current practices and existing knowledge gaps.

RESULTS

CKD influences stroke outcomes through systemic and local pathophysiological changes, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches. Reperfusion therapies are effective in CKD patients but require careful monitoring of renal function to mitigate risks, such as contrast-induced nephropathy and thrombolytic complications. The bidirectional relationship between stroke and CKD highlights the need for integrated management strategies to address both conditions. Early detection and optimized management of CKD significantly reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing stroke care in CKD patients requires a comprehensive understanding of their pathophysiology and clinical management challenges. This article provides evidence-based recommendations, emphasizing individualized treatment decisions and coordinated care. It underscores the importance of integrating renal considerations into stroke treatment protocols and highlights the need for future research to refine therapeutic strategies, address knowledge gaps, and consider tailored interventions to improve outcomes and quality of life for this high-risk population.

Routine Nil Per Os Before All Cardiac Catheterisations: Time to Reconsider?

Nil per os (NPO) is a common instruction before cardiac catheterisation. NPO was originally adopted from general surgery to minimise gastric contents during procedures and reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration in case of vomiting. However, NPO has since been associated with adverse effects on patient well-being, fasting-related complications, and increased health care costs. These burdens are multiplied by the large number of cardiac catheterisations performed. Advances in anaesthesia and contrast agents may have rendered preprocedural fasting obsolete. Here, we examine the evidence for and against routine NPO practices and consider the possible value of a more targeted approach. Current evidence strongly suggests that not fasting before cardiac catheterisation does not significantly increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration or other complications. Therefore, while further large-scale trials are on-going to confirm the safety of nonfasting, hospitals should begin to reduce fasting periods whenever possible. New guidelines should stratify patients by their risk of aspiration, reserving NPO only for those at high risk.

Use of iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast media in patients with chronic kidney disease: Consensus statements from nephrologists, cardiologists, and radiologists at National Taiwan University Hospital

Contrast media are essential agents that enhance the diagnostic capabilities of imaging studies, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, concerns regarding the risk of adverse events have led to cautious use in patients with chronic kidney disease. A multidisciplinary review by nephrologists, cardiologists, and radiologists at National Taiwan University Hospital examined evidence linking iodinated contrast media and gadolinium-based contrast agents with acute kidney injury and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The consensus is that the risk of iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury is minimal in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate greater than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Preventive strategies, including hydration with 0.9% saline and limiting contrast volume, may further reduce acute kidney injury risk in susceptible individuals. For nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, the risk is negligible with group II gadolinium-based contrast agents, even in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or those on dialysis. The panel concludes that the use of iodinated contrast media or group II gadolinium-based contrast agents should not be postponed in chronic kidney disease patients when clinically significant imaging studies are required.

Coronary artery disease and percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with severe chronic kidney disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Advanced CKD patients often present with atypical symptoms, and conventional diagnostic and interventional approaches carry risks, including contrast-induced nephropathy and the potential need for renal replacement therapy. These risks have led to the phenomenon of "renalism," where necessary procedures may be deferred due to concerns over renal injury. Emerging techniques, such as ultra-low contrast angiography (ULCA) and zero-contrast percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), offer promising solutions by minimizing or eliminating contrast exposure. This review discusses the clinical presentation of CAD in CKD patients, limitations of traditional diagnostic approaches, and the challenges in managing these high-risk patients. It also provides an overview of ULCA and zero-contrast PCI techniques, which have shown both safety and feasibility even in complex cases. As these techniques continue to evolve, zero-contrast PCI holds the potential to become an essential component of revascularization strategies for high-risk CKD patients, enhancing procedural safety while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Fasting vs. no fasting prior to catheterization laboratory procedures: the SCOFF trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Current guidelines recommend 6 h of solid food and 2 h of clear liquid fasting for patients undergoing cardiac procedures with conscious sedation. There are no data to support this practice, and previous single-centre studies support the safety of removing fasting requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the non-inferiority of a no-fasting strategy to fasting prior to cardiac catheterization procedures which require conscious sedation.

METHODS

This is a multicentre, investigator-initiated, non-inferiority, randomized trial conducted in Australia with a prospective open-label, blinded endpoint design. Patients referred for coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, or cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-related procedures were enrolled. Patients were randomized 1:1 to fasting as normal (6 h solid food and 2 h clear liquid) or no-fasting requirements (encouraged to have regular meals but not mandated to do so). Recruitment occurred from 2022 to 2023. The primary outcome was a composite of aspiration pneumonia, hypotension, hyperglycaemia, and hypoglycaemia assessed with a Bayesian approach. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction score, new ventilation requirement (non-invasive and invasive), new intensive care unit admission, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, 30-day pneumonia.

RESULTS

A total of 716 patients were randomized with 358 in each group. Those in the fasting arm had significantly longer solid food fasting (13.2 vs. 3.0 h, Bayes factor >100, indicating extreme evidence of difference) and clear liquid fasting times (7.0 vs. 2.4 h, Bayes factor >100). The primary composite outcome occurred in 19.1% of patients in the fasting arm and 12.0% of patients in the no-fasting arm. The estimate of the mean posterior difference in proportions with credibility interval (CI) in the primary composite outcome was -5.2% (95% CI -9.6 to -.9), favouring no fasting. This result confirms the non-inferiority (posterior probability >99.5%) and superiority (posterior probability 99.1%) of no fasting for the primary composite outcome. The no-fasting arm had improved patient satisfaction scores with a posterior mean difference of 4.02 points (95% CI 3.36-4.67, Bayes factor >100). Secondary outcome events were observed to be similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and CIED-related procedures, no fasting was non-inferior and superior to fasting for the primary composite outcome of aspiration pneumonia, hypotension, hyperglycaemia, and hypoglycaemia. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly better with no fasting. This supports removing fasting requirements for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures that require conscious sedation.

Dynamic coronary roadmap in percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is one of the complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with high financial burden and poor outcomes. Dynamic coronary roadmap (DCR) is one of the augmentation tools that can provide a dynamic clear coronary mapping with the potential to reduce contrast use and CI-AKI incidence. Herein, we aim to systematically investigate the studies that have assessed the effect of DCR on PCI outcomes.

METHODS

Four online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant studies. Studies that compared the DCR group with the non-DCR group were included while the outcomes were AKI incidence, contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, dose area product, air kerma, intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) use, and procedural success. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for comparison of DCR and non-DCR groups.

RESULTS

A total of six studies were included in the final analysis comprised of 447 patients in the DCR group and 527 in the non-DCR group. The mean age was 68.7 ± 10.6 years while 78.9% of the DCR group and 75.6% of the non-DCR group were males. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the rates of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, prior myocardial infarction (MI), prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and atrial fibrillation. Meta-analysis revealed that patients in the DCR group had a significantly lower rate of AKI (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93, p-value = 0.028), and contrast volume used (SMD -1.16, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.18, p-value = 0.021). However, there was no difference in fluoroscopy time (SMD -0.64, 95% CI -1.43 to 0.16, p-value = 0.116), air kerma (SMD -1.81, 95% CI -4.61 to 0.99, p-value = 0.206), IVUS use (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.73, p-value = 0.285), and procedural success (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.15 to 7.26, p-value = 0.957).

CONCLUSION

These findings show that DCR use is associated with a lower rate of AKI and lower contrast use, compared to conventional PCI. This is of particular importance since many patients undergoing PCI have limited renal function and hence will benefit from the use of DCR. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to pave the way for the routine use of DCR in clinical settings.

TRPA1 protects against contrast-induced renal tubular injury by preserving mitochondrial dynamics via the AMPK/DRP1 pathway

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in the development of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). The present study aimed to reveal the role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), an oxidative sensor, in CI-AKI. Trpa1PT-/- mice with Trpa1 conditionally knocked out in renal proximal tubular (PT) cells, Trpa1 overexpression mice (Trpa1-OE), and TRPA1 agonists and antagonists were used to study its function in a mouse model of iohexol-induced CI-AKI. We found that TRPA1 was functionally expressed in PT cells. Activation of TRPA1 with cinnamaldehyde or overexpression of Trpa1 remarkably ameliorated renal tubular injury and dysfunction in a mouse model of CI-AKI, while CI-AKI was significantly exacerbated in Trpa1PT-/- mice. Proteomics demonstrated that mouse kidneys with CI-AKI had downregulated proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics and upregulated mitophagy-associated proteins. The beneficial effects of TRPA1 activation/overexpression on CI-AKI were associated with improved mitochondrial function, decreased mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress, enhanced mitophagy, and less apoptosis of renal tubular cells. TRPA1-induced decreases in mitochondrial fission were linked to upregulated fusion-related proteins (mitofusin 1, mitofusin 2 and optic atrophy 1) and downregulated fission mediator, phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Importantly, inhibition of Drp1 with mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 improved CI-AKI. In addition, the decreased mitochondrial fission was also mediated by inactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase which mediates mitochondrial biogenesis. The findings suggest that TRPA1 plays a protective role in CI-AKI through regulating mitochondrial fission/fusion, biogenesis, and dysfunction. Activating TRPA1 may become novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention of CI-AKI.

Combined strategy of device-based contrast minimization and urine flow rate-guided hydration to prevent acute kidney injury in high-risk patients undergoing coronary interventional procedures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a major complication following coronary procedures. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of urine flow rate-(UFR) guided hydration (RenalGuardTM) and device-based contrast media (CM) reduction (DyeVertTM) in CA-AKI prevention.

METHODS

Stable high-risk patients undergoing coronary procedures with the use of DyeVertTM and RenalGuardTM were prospectively included (Combined group) and matched with a similar cohort of patients treated only with RenalGuardTM in whom CM volume was controlled by operator-dependent strategies (Control group). CA-AKI was defined as a serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL at 48 h.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 patients were enrolled and matched with comparable controls. Patients in the Combined group were exposed to a lower CM dose (Control: 55 [30-90] mL vs. Combined: 42.1 [24.9-59.4] mL; p = 0.024). A significant interaction was found between treatment allocation and serum creatinine changes (p = 0.048). CA-AKI occurred in five (9.1%) patients in the Combined group and in 14 (25.4%) patients in the Control group (OR 0.29, 95% CI [0.09-0.88]).

CONCLUSIONS

A combined strategy of device-based CM reduction plus UFR-guided hydration is superior to operator-dependent CM sparing strategies plus UFR-guided hydration in preventing CA-AKI in high-risk patient.

Pharmacotherapy of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and the pharmacist's role, part 2: Complications, postrevascularization care, and quality improvement

DISCLAIMER

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

PURPOSE

Key pharmacotherapeutic modalities and considerations for the patient with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) across the later phases of inpatient care are reviewed.

SUMMARY

Published descriptions and validation of clinical pharmacist roles specific to the acute management of STEMI are limited. This high-risk period from presentation through revascularization, stabilization, and hospital discharge involves complex pharmacotherapeutic decision points, many operational medication needs, and multiple layers of quality oversight. A companion article reviewed STEMI pharmacotherapy from emergency department presentation through revascularization. Herein we complete the pharmacotherapy review for the STEMI patient across the inpatient phases of care, including the management of peri-infarction complications with vasoactive and antiarrhythmic agents, considerations for postrevascularization antithrombotics, and assessments of supportive therapies and secondary prevention. Key guideline recommendations and literature developments are summarized from the clinical pharmacist's perspective alongside suggested pharmacist roles and responsibilities. Considerations for successful hospital discharge after STEMI and pharmacist involvement in associated institutional quality improvement efforts are also provided. We aim to support inpatient pharmacy departments in advancing clinical services for this critical patient population and call for further research delineating pharmacists' impact on patient and institutional STEMI outcomes.

Kidney protection strategy lowers the risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury

We developed a comprehensive kidney protection strategy (KPS), which comprises left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-guided saline hydration, ultralow contrast coronary angiography, and a staged coronary revascularization procedure under suitable conditions. This study aimed to investigate KPS's effect on the risk of developing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) among persons with moderate-to-advanced kidney insufficiency (KI). Seventy patients who had undergone cardiac catheterization with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 15-45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were investigated retrospectively. Among these, 19 patients who had received KPS and 51 who had undergone cardiac catheterization with usual care (UC) were enrolled. CA-AKI was defined as a 0.3-mg/dL increase in serum creatinine levels or dialysis initiation within 72 h after contrast exposure. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted cohort was analyzed according to the Mehran 2 risk categories. Patients' mean age was 73.3 ± 9.6 years; mean eGFR was 29.8 ± 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; and median of Mehran 2 risk score, 8. Most patients presented with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart failure, and one-fifth of the administered cardiac catheterizations were emergency procedures. After the IPTW adjustment, the KPS group showed a significantly lower CA-AKI risk than the UC group (4% vs. 20.4%; odds ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.66). This effect was consistent across various subgroups according to different variables, including old age, AMI, advanced KI, high-risk category, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and multivessel disease. Conclusively, KPS may reduce the CA-AKI risk in high-risk patients with moderate-to-advanced KI who have undergone cardiac catheterization.

Dual-Energy CT as a Well-Established CT Modality to Reduce Contrast Media Amount: A Systematic Review from the Computed Tomography Subspecialty Section of the Italian Society of Radiology

Background: Our study aims to provide an overview of existing evidence regarding the image quality of dual-energy CT (DECT) employing reduced contrast media (CM) volumes, in comparison to single-energy CT (SECT) with standard CM loads. The advantages, indications, and possible applications of DECT were investigated from the perspective of providing better patient care, minimizing CM volume and managing CM shortage. Methods: In this systematic review (PRISMA methodology), PubMed and WOS were searched from January 2010 to January 2023 by two independent reviewers. The scan and CM characteristics, radiation dose, and results of quantitative (contrast to noise ratio, CNR, and signal to noise ratio, SNR) and qualitative assessment of image quality were collected. Sixty non-duplicated records eligible for full-text screening were examined. Results: Finally, 22 articles (1818 patients) were included. The average CM reduction with DECT ranged between 43.4 ± 11%. Despite the wide variability in CT scan protocols, no differences were found in radiation doses between DECT and SECT. Conclusions: DECT scanners allow the employment of lower CM volumes with equal or better image quality evaluated by quantitative and qualitative analyses and similar dose radiation compared to SECT. Using image reconstructions at low monochromatic energy levels, DECT increases iodine conspicuity and attenuation contributing to CM containment measures.

Short term sodium glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors are associated with post contrast acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes

Although sodium-glucose transport protein-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) do not increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in general, they may pose a risk in patients undergoing angiography. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i for post-contrast AKI (PC-AKI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Following screening, 306 patients with T2DM selected to undergo coronary arterial angiography with or without percutaneous intervention were enrolled. Patients were divided into the SGLT2i exposure and non-exposure groups. The primary outcome was PC-AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine levels > 0.5 mg/dL (44.2 µmol/L), or 25% above the baseline, within 48-72 h after exposure to contrast medium. The incidence of PC-AKI in the overall T2DM population was 5.2% (16/306). Following 1:1 propensity score matching, the incidence of PC-AKI was significantly higher in the SGLT2i group than in the non-SGLT2i group (10.7% vs. 2.9%; P = 0.027), with an odds ratio of 4.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.0-20.2; P = 0.047). Furthermore, PC-AKI occurred at a higher rate among short-term users of SGLT2i than long-term users (20.5% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.018). Thus, our findings suggest an increased risk of PC-AKI associated with short-term SGLT2i therapy in patients with T2DM.

Safety, feasibility, and incremental value of ultralow and zero contrast PCI in an all-comers registry

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease and CAD have been denied revascularization because of fear of precipitating acute renal failure from contrast exposure. Skepticism on whether Ultra-Low contrast percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or Zero contrast PCI (ULC/ZC PCI) can be safely performed has limited its adoption.

METHODS

This observational registry enrolled 200 consecutive patients referred for elective PCI at a single center from June 2021 to December 2022. The study investigated whether the clinical outcomes of PCI performed with UL/ZC-PCI (n-48) were comparable to outcomes following standard PCI (n-152).

RESULTS

Both groups were well matched in baseline and procedural characteristics. The groups had a highly statistical difference in the use of CV. Mean CV was 19.17 ± 7.29 cc in the ULC/ZC-group and 147.14 ± 73.55 cc in the control arm. The principal findings of the study were that the incidence of ontrast-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) was eightfold lower in patients receiving UL/ZC compared to the control group that received standard PCI. The incidence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and major bleeding were similar in both groups. At 6 months, the decrement in renal function was lower in the group that received lower volumes of contrast.

CONCLUSIONS

This single center observational registry demonstrated that UL-C/ZC-PCI is safe and effective in a broad spectrum of complex lesions. The skillsets needed to perform this are teachable, widely applicable and do not require a large upgrade of capital equipment. AKI rates and decrement in renal function at 6 months were both significantly lower in the UL-ZC group.

Контраст-асоційоване гостре пошкодження нирок: клінічні рекомендації Української асоціації нефрологів і фахівців з трансплантації нирки

Йодовмісні контрастні речовини (ЙВКР) – одні з найпоширеніших лікарських засобів (ЛЗ), які застосовуються у медичній практиці з діагностичною чи інтервенційною метою. Гостре пошкодження нирок (ГПН), яке виникає після внутрішньосудинного введення ЙВКР є потенційно життєзагрожучим станом безпосередньо та асоціюється з підвищеним ризиком довгострокової смертності. В Україні існує нагальна необхідність інформування широкого лікарського загалу про суттєві зміни складових парадигми внутрішньосудинного застосування ЙВКР у клінічній практиці, у зв'язку з цим робоча група УАН і ФТН створила ці рекомендації щодо профілактики, діагностики  та лікування контраст-асоційованого ГПН.  

Current updates in radiocontrast-associated acute kidney injury

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is an abrupt decline in kidney function occurring after a recent exposure to iodinated radiocontrast media. CA-AKI presents as elevated serum creatinine level or decreased urine output. CA-AKI is the third leading cause of inpatient AKI. The incidence of CA-AKI varies according to patient population characteristics, ranging from 5% in the general population to as high as 30% in special populations with preexisting comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. The development of CA-AKI places a heavy toll on patients and the healthcare system secondary to increased patient morbidity, mortality, hospital length of stay, readmission risk, and healthcare cost. Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization are of special interest, since they have higher risk of developing CA-AKI and its associated complications. The recognition, prevention, and management of CA-AKI has improved over the past few years with the introduction of fluid management guidelines, using less nephrotoxic radiocontrast media, and preprocedural CA-AKI risk assessment. Future advancements in patients' CA-AKI risk stratification and early detection will facilitate prompt initiation of mitigation treatment plans and decrease associated complications.

Navigating nephrotoxic waters: A comprehensive overview of contrast-induced acute kidney injury prevention

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the third leading cause of acute kidney injury deriving from the intravascular administration of contrast media in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and leading to longer in-hospital stay and increased short and long-term mortality. Its pathophysiology, although not well-established, revolves around medullary hypoxia paired with the direct toxicity of the substance to the kidney. Critically ill patients, as well as those with pre-existing renal disease and cardiovascular comorbidities, are more susceptible to CI-AKI. Despite the continuous research in the field of CI-AKI prevention, clinical practice is based mostly on periprocedural hydration. In this review, all the investigated methods of prevention are presented, with an emphasis on the latest evidence regarding the potential of RenalGuard and contrast removal systems for CI-AKI prevention in high-risk individuals.

Assessing the Role of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Prognosis and Prevention of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

This study evaluated the impact of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA)-guided hydration therapy on contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). From April 2022 to January 2023, this prospective study at the Eastern General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army involved 902 adults with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) scheduled for PCI. BIVA measurements were performed pre-contrast, followed by a standard hydration regimen. The study focused on the development of CA-AKI and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, including all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization) within 1 year post-PCI. Among the 902 patients (average age: 60.8 years, 65.2% men), CA-AKI post-PCI was observed in 10.8%. Those with CA-AKI had more comorbidities and higher baseline creatinine levels. The contrast volume-to-estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) ratio was higher in CA-AKI patients, with a significantly increased resistance/height ratio (R/H). High R/H values correlated with a greater risk of MACE and all-cause mortality within a year. The study underscores the importance of BIVA-guided hydration therapy and R/H ratio in predicting CA-AKI in PCI patients with stable CAD. Incorporating R/H ratio assessments may enhance pre-procedural risk assessment and improve long-term outcomes (P = .0017).

Management Considerations for Acute Coronary Syndromes in Chronic Kidney Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Propensity of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to adverse outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) derives, in part, from imperfection in management. Dearth of data resulting from underrepresentation of patients with CKD in ACS trials and underuse of evidence-based testing and therapy compound biological risks inherent to CKD. We sought in this narrative review to critically appraise contemporary evidence and offer suggested approaches to practicing clinicians for the optimization of ACS management in patients with CKD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Updated multisociety chest pain guidelines emphasize the diversity of clinical presentations of ACS, pertinent to recognition of ACS in patients with CKD. Evolving tools to predict and prevent acute kidney injury complicating invasive management of ACS serve to support improved access to and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in CKD patients, who remain at elevated risk. Growth in use of radial access, advances in PCI quality, incorporation of intravascular imaging, and new options and insights in pharmacotherapy contribute to an evolving calculus of ischemic and bleeding risk in ACS with bearing on management in CKD patients. Key opportunities to improve outcomes of ACS for patients with CKD center on avoiding underuse of beneficial medical and invasive therapies; enhancing safety of therapies by leveraging evidence-based strategies to prevent acute kidney injury; and devoting specific effort to investigation of ACS management in the context of CKD.

Kidney Injury After Minimal Radiographic Contrast Administration in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES

Contrast media (CM) volume minimization has been advocated for prevention of AKI. The DyeVert CM diversion system (Osprey Medical, Inc) is designed to reduce CM volume during coronary procedures.

METHODS

In this randomized, single-blind, investigator-driven clinical trial conducted in 4 Italian centers from February 4, 2020 to September 13, 2022, 550 participants with ACS were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the following: 1) the contrast volume reduction (CVR) group (n = 276), in which CM injection was handled by the CM diversion system; and 2) the control group (n = 274), in which a conventional manual or automatic injection syringe was used. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI, defined as a serum creatinine (sCr) increase ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours after CM exposure.

RESULTS

There were 412 of 550 (74.5%) participants with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (211 of 276 [76.4%] in the CVR group and 201 of 274 [73.3%] in the control group). The CM volume was lower in the CVR group (95 ± 30 mL vs 160 ± 23 mL; P < 0.001). Seven participants (1 in the CVR group and 6 in the control group) did not have postprocedural sCr values. AKI occurred in 44 of 275 (16%) participants in the CVR group and in 65 of 268 (24.3%) participants in the control group (relative risk: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47-0.93; P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

CM volume reduction obtained using the CM diversion system is effective for prevention of AKI in patients with ACS undergoing invasive procedures. (REnal Insufficiency Following Contrast MEDIA Administration TriaL IV [REMEDIALIV]: NCT04714736).

The Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Gaps, Challenges, and Solutions

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high burden of coronary artery disease (CAD), which remains the leading cause of death in CKD patients. Despite the high cardiovascular risk, ACS patients with renal dysfunction are less commonly treated with guideline-based medical therapy and are less frequently referred for coronary revascularization.

Summary

The management of CAD is more challenging in patients with CKD than in the general population due to concerns regarding side effects and renal toxicity, as well as uncertainty regarding clinical benefit of guideline-based medical therapy and interventions. Patients with advanced CKD and especially those receiving dialysis have not traditionally been represented in randomized trials evaluating either medical or revascularization therapies. Thus, only scant data from small prospective studies or retrospective analyses are available. Recently published studies suggest that there are significant opportunities to substantially improve both cardiovascular and renal outcomes of patients with CAD and CKD, including new medications and interventions. Thus, the objective of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the management of CAD in CKD patients, in particular with respect to improvement of both cardiovascular and renal outcomes.

Key Messages

Adequate medical therapy and coronary interventions using evidence-based strategies can improve both cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with CAD and CKD.

Patient characteristics associated with acute kidney injury following coronary angiography

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify patient characteristics associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) post-coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study analyzed 350 patients from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. The primary endpoint was AKI, defined as a rise in creatinine >0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours of coronary angiography.

Results

AKI occurred in 41 of 350 patients (8.8%). Patients experiencing AKI had a higher incidence of hypertension (100%; P = 0.005), hyperlipidemia (98%; P = 0.001), diabetes mellitus (68%; P = 0.0005), and heart failure (37%; P = 0.0057). AKI occurred in 30 of 185 (16%) and 11 of 165 (6.7%) patients undergoing femoral and radial access, respectively. AKI incidence was not significantly affected by contrast dose (99 ± 9 vs 93 ± 3 mL; P = 0.52), fluoroscopy time (10.3 min [IQR 6.3, 17.7] vs 8.5 min [IQR 4.5, 13.9]; P = 0.2), or preprocedural computed tomography with contrast (P = 0.66). Multivariable regression showed significantly higher AKI among patients with peripheral artery disease (odds ratio [OR] = 12.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-33.6; P = 0.0001), multivessel coronary artery disease (OR = 11.9; 95% CI 2.3-61.1; P = 0.003), and initial creatinine >1.5 mg/dL (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 1.4-13.6; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Peripheral artery disease, multivessel disease, and creatinine >1.5 mg/dL were associated with a higher risk of AKI in patients undergoing coronary angiography in this single-center retrospective cohort.

Prevention of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in an era of increasingly complex interventional procedures

Radiological and interventional cardiology procedures are in continuous expansion, leading to an important increase in the incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Although numerous methods of CA-AKI prevention have been studied, at present, there is no consensus on the definition of this entity or on its prevention. In this paper, we aim to provide a critical analysis of the existing data on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical significance of CA-AKI. Existing and emergent approaches for CA-AKI prevention are also discussed, with a focus on parenteral fluid administration and on the most recent clinical and experimental data. We also emphasize a number of questions that remain to be answered, and we identify hotspots for future research.

Safety and care of no fasting prior to catheterization laboratory procedures: a non-inferiority randomized control trial protocol (SCOFF trial)

Aims

Cardiac catheterization procedures are typically performed with local anaesthetic and proceduralist guided sedation. Various fasting regimens are routinely implemented prior to these procedures, noting the absence of prospective evidence, aiming to reduce aspiration risk. However, there are additional risks from fasting including patient discomfort, intravascular volume depletion, stimulus for neuro-cardiogenic syncope, glycaemic outcomes, and unnecessary fasting for delayed/cancelled procedures.

Methods and results

This is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomized trial with a prospective, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) assessment based in New South Wales, Australia. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to fasting (6 h solid food and 2 h clear liquids) or to no fasting requirements. The primary outcome will be a composite of hypotension, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, and aspiration pneumonia. Secondary outcomes will include patient satisfaction, contrast-induced nephropathy, new intensive care admission, new non-invasive or invasive ventilation requirement post procedure, and 30-day mortality and readmission.

Conclusions

This is a pragmatic and clinically relevant randomised trial designed to compare fasting verse no fasting prior to cardiac catheterisation procedures. Routine fasting may not reduce peri-procedural adverse events in this setting.

Role of Invasive Strategy for Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have traditionally been excluded from randomized trials. We aimed to compare percutaneous coronary intervention versus conservative management, and early intervention (EI; within 24 hours of admission) versus delayed intervention (DI; after 24 to 72 hours of admission) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and concomitant CKD. An electronic literature search was performed to search for studies comparing invasive management to conservative management or EI versus DI in patients with NSTEMI with CKD. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes were acute kidney injury (AKI) or dialysis, major bleeding, and recurrent MI. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the primary outcome and odds ratios for secondary outcomes were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Eleven studies (140,544 patients) were analyzed. Invasive management was associated with lower mortality than conservative management (HR 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.57 to 0.67, p <0.001, I2 = 47%), with consistent benefit across all CKD stages, except CKD 5. There was no significant mortality difference between EI and DI, but subgroup analyses showed significant benefit for EI in stage 1 to 2 CKD (HR 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.58 to 0.97, p = 0.03, I2 = 0%), with no significant difference in stage 3 and 4 to 5 CKD. Invasive strategy was associated with higher odds of AKI or dialysis and major bleeding, but lower odds of recurrent MI compared with conservative management. In conclusion, in patients with NSTEMI and CKD, an invasive strategy is associated with significant mortality benefit over conservative management in most patients with CKD, but at the expense of higher risk of AKI and bleeding. EI appears to benefit those with early stages of CKD. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023405491.

Predicting Contrast-induced Renal Complications

Chronic kidney disease is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease and overlaps with other risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a cornerstone of therapy for coronary artery disease and requires contrast media, which can lead to renal injury. Identifying patients at risk for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is critical for preventing kidney damage, which is associated with both short- and long-term mortality. Determination of the potential risk for CA-AKI and a new need for dialysis using validated risk prediction tools identifies patients at high risk for this complication. Identification of patients at risk for renal injury after contrast exposure is the first critical step in prevention. Contrast media volume, age and sex of the patient, a history of chronic kidney disease and/or diabetes, clinical presentation, and hemodynamic and volume status are factors known to predict incident contrast-induced nephropathy. Recognition of at-risk patient subpopulations allows for targeted, efficient, and cost-effective strategies to reduce the risk of renal complications resulting from contrast media exposure.

Hydration to Prevent Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Angiography

Administration of fluid (oral and intravenous) is the cornerstone of prevention of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in the cardiac environment. Intravenous saline is the preferred fluid. The amount, timing, and duration of therapy are discussed. A key determinant of the benefit may be the rate of urine output stimulated by the therapy. Approaches using hemodynamic-guided rates of fluid administration and novel techniques to generate large urine outputs while maintaining fluid balance are highlighted.

Contrast media volume reduction with the DyeVertTM system to prevent acute kidney injury in stable patients undergoing coronary procedures

BACKGROUND

Contrast associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) can lead to an increased risk of adverse events. Contrast media (CM) volume reduction has been advocated as a pivotal strategy to prevent CA-AKI in stable patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedures.

AIMS

To compare the effectiveness of CM volume reduction with the DyeVertTM system versus conventional strategy in reducing the risk of CA-AKI.

METHODS

We prospectively collected data from 136 patients with stable coronary artery disease at high risk of CA-AKI treated with left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP)- guided hydration and undergoing interventions with the use of the DyeVertTM (Osprey Medical Inc.) system. Patients previously enrolled in the LVEDP-guided hydration arm of the "Renal Insufficiency Following Contrast MEDIA Administration triaL III" (REMEDIAL III) were considered as controls. Propensity score was used to perform 1:1 matching to adjust for major confounders. The primary outcome was the occurrence of CA-AKI, as defined by an absolute increase of creatinine values ≥0.3 mg/dL at 48 h.

RESULTS

Patients in the DyeVert group were treated with a significant lower CM volume (median: 47.5 vs. 84.0 mL, p < 0.001). The trend in creatinine increase was lower (p = 0.004) and the Δ of creatinine (0-48 h) showed a higher drop (-0.18 vs. -0.10 mg/dL, p = 0.036) in the DyeVert group. The risk of CA-AKI was significantly lower in DyeVert group compared to control group (5.1% vs. 16.8%; odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval [0.12-0.61]).

CONCLUSIONS

CM volume reduction with the DyeVertTM system seems to be superior to conventional strategies in reducing the occurrence of CA-AKI.

Diuresis-matched versus standard hydration in patients undergoing percutaneous cardiovascular procedures: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a potential complication of procedures requiring administration of iodinated contrast medium. RenalGuard, which provides real-time matching of intravenous hydration with furosemide-induced diuresis, is an alternative to standard periprocedural hydration strategies. The evidence on RenalGuard in patients undergoing percutaneous cardiovascular procedures is sparse. We used a Bayesian framework to perform a meta-analysis of RenalGuard as a CA-AKI preventive strategy.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for randomized trials of RenalGuard vs standard periprocedural hydration strategies. The primary outcome was CA-AKI. Secondary outcomes were all-cause death, cardiogenic shock, acute pulmonary edema, and renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. A Bayesian random-effect risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% credibility interval (95%CrI) was calculated for each outcome. PROSPERO database number CRD42022378489.

RESULTS

Six studies were included. RenalGuard was associated with a significant relative reduction in CA-AKI (median RR, 0.54; 95%CrI, 0.31-0.86) and acute pulmonary edema (median RR, 0.35; 95%CrI, 0.12-0.87). No significant differences were observed for the other secondary endpoints [all-cause death (RR, 0.49; 95%CrI, 0.13-1.08), cardiogenic shock (RR, 0.06; 95%CrI, 0.00-1.91), and renal replacement therapy (RR, 0.52; 95%CrI, 0.18-1.18)]. The Bayesian analysis also showed that RenalGuard had a high probability of ranking first for all the secondary outcomes. These results were consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing percutaneous cardiovascular procedures, RenalGuard was associated with a reduced risk of CA-AKI and acute pulmonary edema compared with standard periprocedural hydration strategies.

Acute Kidney Injury Management Strategies Peri-Cardiovascular Interventions

In many countries, the aging population and the higher incidence of comorbid conditions have resulted in an ever-growing need for cardiac interventions. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of these interventions, associated with higher mortalities, chronic or end-stage kidney disease, readmission rates, and hospital and post-discharge costs. The AKI pathophysiology includes contrast-associated AKI, hemodynamic changes, cardiorenal syndrome, and atheroembolism. Preventive measures include limiting contrast media dose, optimizing hemodynamic conditions, and limiting exposure to other nephrotoxins. This review article outlines the current state-of-art knowledge regarding AKI pathophysiology, risk factors, preventive measures, and management strategies in the peri-interventional period.

A Practical Approach to Preventing Contrast-Associated Renal Complications in the Catheterization Laboratory

Contrast media use is ubiquitous in the catheterization laboratory. Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a key concern among patients undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions. The risk of CA-AKI can be minimized by careful attention to hydration status and renal function-based contrast dosing in all patients. In patients with Stage IV chronic kidney disease, ultra low contrast procedure (contrast dose ≤ GFR) may be especially beneficial.

Key Considerations regarding the Renal Risks of Iodinated Contrast Media: The Nephrologist's Role

BACKGROUND

The administration of iodinated contrast medium during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures has always been associated with the fear of causing acute kidney injury (AKI) or an exacerbation of chronic kidney disease. This has led, on the one hand, to the deterrence, when possible, of the use of contrast medium (preferring other imaging methods with the risk of loss of diagnostic power), and on the other hand, to the trialling of multiple prophylaxis protocols in an attempt to reduce the risk of kidney injury.

SUMMARY

A literature review on contrast-induced (CI)-AKI risk mitigation strategies was performed, focussing on the recognition of individual risk factors and on the most recent evidence regarding prophylaxis.

KEY MESSAGES

Nephrologists can contribute significantly in the CI-AKI context, from the early stages of the decision-making process to stratifying patients by risk, individualising prophylaxis measures based on the risk profile, and ensuring appropriate evaluation of kidney function and damage post-procedure to improve care.

Implications of a Race Term in GFR Estimates Used to Predict AKI After Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

The prediction of mortality, bleeding, and acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) traditionally relied on race-based estimates of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Recently, race agnostic equations were developed to advance equity.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to compare the accuracy and implications of various GFR equations when used to predict AKI after PCI.

METHODS

Using the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI data set, we identified patients undergoing PCI in 2020 and calculated their AKI risk using the 2014 NCDR AKI risk model. We created 4 AKI models per patient for each estimate of baseline renal function: the traditional GFR equation with a race term, 2 GFR equations without a race term, and serum creatinine alone. We then compared each model's performance predicting AKI.

RESULTS

Among 455,806 PCI encounters, the median age was 67 years, 32.2% were women, and 8.5% were Black. In Black patients, risk models without a race term were better calibrated than models incorporating an equation with a race term (intercept: -0.01 vs 0.15). Race-agnostic models reclassified 6% of Black patients into higher-risk categories, potentially prompting appropriate mitigation efforts. However, even with a race-agnostic model, AKI occurred in Black patients 18% more often than expected, which was not explained by captured patient or procedural characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating a GFR estimate without a Black race term into the NCDR AKI risk prediction model yielded more accurate prediction of AKI risk for Black patients, which has important implications for reducing disparities and benchmarking.

Contemporary Methods for Predicting Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Accurately estimating patients' risks not only creates a means of benchmarking performance but can also be used prospectively to inform practice.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to update the 2014 National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) AKI risk model to provide contemporary estimates of AKI risk after PCI to further improve care.

METHODS

Using the NCDR CathPCI Registry, we identified all 2020 PCIs, excluding those on dialysis or lacking postprocedural creatinine. The cohort was randomly split into a 70% derivation cohort and a 30% validation cohort, and logistic regression models were built to predict AKI (an absolute increase of 0.3 mg/dL in creatinine or a 50% increase from preprocedure baseline) and AKI requiring dialysis. Bedside risk scores were created to facilitate prospective use in clinical care, along with threshold contrast doses to reduce AKI. We tested model calibration and discrimination in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

Among 455,806 PCI procedures, the median age was 67 years (IQR: 58.0-75.0 years), 68.8% were men, and 86.8% were White. The incidence of AKI and new dialysis was 7.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Baseline renal function and variables associated with clinical instability were the strongest predictors of AKI. The final AKI model included 13 variables, with a C-statistic of 0.798 and excellent calibration (intercept = -0.03 and slope = 0.97) in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The updated NCDR AKI risk model further refines AKI prediction after PCI, facilitating enhanced clinical care, benchmarking, and quality improvement.

Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure for the Prediction of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Intervention (the ELEVATE Study)

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an important complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated whether left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in patients who underwent PCI might be additive to current risk stratification of CIN. Data from consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction between 2013 and 2018 at Western Health in Victoria, Australia were analyzed. CIN was defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or 44 µmol/L increase in absolute value within 48 hours of contrast administration. Compared with patients without CIN (n = 455, 93%), those who developed CIN (n = 35, 7%) were older (64 vs 58 years, p = 0.006), and had higher peak creatine kinase (2,862 [1,258 to 3,952] vs 1,341 U/L [641 to 2,613], p = 0.02). The CIN group had higher median LVEDP (30 [21-33] vs 25 mm Hg [20-30], p = 0.013) and higher median Mehran risk score (MRS) (5 [2-8] vs 2 [1-5], p <0.001). Patients with CIN had more in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (composite end point of death, new or recurrent myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization or stroke) (23% vs 8.6%, p = 0.01), but similar 30-day major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (20% vs 15%, p = 0.46). An LVEDP >30 mm Hg independently predicted CIN (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.46 to 8.03, p = 0.005). The addition of LVEDP ≥30 mm Hg to MRS marginally improved risk prediction for CIN compared with MRS alone (area-under-curve, c-statistic = 0.71 vs c-statistic = 0.63, p = 0.08). In conclusion, elevated LVEDP ≥30 mm Hg during primary PCI was an independent predictor of CIN in patients treated for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The addition of LVEDP to the MRS may improve risk prediction for CIN.

Contrast Media Volume Control and Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Rationale and Design of the REMEDIAL IV Trial

Background

Although the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing invasive treatment is multifactorial, the role of iodinated contrast media (CM) has been well established. The DyeVert system (Osprey Medical) is designed to reduce the CM volume during invasive coronary procedures while maintaining fluoroscopic image quality.

Objective

The aim of the Renal Insufficiency Following Contrast Media Administration Trial IV (REMEDIAL IV) is to test whether the use of the DyeVert system is effective in reducing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) rate in patients with ACS undergoing urgent invasive procedures.

Trial Design

Patients with ACS treated by urgent invasive approach will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of the following groups: (1) DyeVert group and (2) control group. In participants enrolled in the DyeVert group, CM injection will be handled by the DyeVert system. On the contrary, in the control group, CM injection will be performed by a conventional manual or automatic injection syringe. In all cases, iobitridol (a low-osmolar, nonionic CM) will be administered. Participants will receive intravenous 0.9% sodium chloride as soon as moved to the catheterization laboratory. The primary end points are CM volume administration and CA-AKI rate (ie, an increase in serum creatinine concentration of ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours after CM exposure). A sample size of at least 522 randomized participants (261 in each group) is needed to demonstrate an 8.5% difference in the CA-AKI rate between the groups (that is, from 19% in the control group to 10.5% in the DyeVert group), with a 2-sided 95% confidence interval and 80% power (P < .05).