Abstract
Contrast medium-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious clinical problem despite common use of low-nephrotoxic non-ionized low-osmolar contrast media, because of the increased usage of radiocontrast-media and the growing number of patients with risk factors of CIN, such as renal dysfunction, diabetics, and high age. Therefore, prevention of CIN is a critical matter of concern for clinicians. However, the underlying mechanisms of CIN remain speculative and no definitive method for prevention of CIN has been confirmed except for the partial validity of dose reduction of the contrast media and intraveous infusion of saline for correction of hypovolemia. Furthermore, pre-emptive hemodialysis, though performed worldwide without solid evidence, has been proven invalid. When using iodinated contrast media, especially to the high risk patients, clinicians should be equipped with the current concept of CIN, applying appropriate methods for renal protection.
