Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy by Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasonography-Guided Hydration in Chronic Heart Failure Patients.

Introduction: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication resulting from the administration of contrast media. This study was designed to determine whether inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasonography (IVCU)-guided hydration can reduce the risk of CIN in chronic heart failure patients undergoing coronary angiography or coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary intervention compared with standard hydration.

Methods: This prospective clinical trial enrolled 207 chronic heart failure patients from February 2016 to November 2017, who were randomly assigned to either the IVCU-guided hydration group (n = 104) or the routine hydration group (n = 103). In the IVCU-guided group, the hydration infusion rate was set according to the IVC diameter determined by IVCU, while the control group received intravenous infusion of 0.9% saline at 0.5 mL/(kg·h). Serum Cr was measured before and 48-72 h after the procedure. All patients were followed up for 18 months. The incidence of nephropathy and major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) was also compared between the 2 groups.

Results: Statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the occurrence of CIN was observed (12.5 vs. 29.1%, p = 0.004). The hydration volume of the IVCU-guided group was significantly higher than that of the routine group (p < 0.001). In addition, patients receiving IVCU-guided hydration had significantly lower risk of developing MACCEs than patients in the control group during the 18-month follow-up (14.4 vs. 27.2%, p = 0.027).

Conclusion: Our findings support that IVCU-guided hydration is superior to standard hydration in prevention of CIN and may substantially reduce longtime composite major adverse events.