Umar Sadat1. 1. Cambridge Vascular Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. sadat.umar@gmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a commonly occurring complication associated with the use of contrast media in radiological studies. Various clinical studies have been reported investigating the nephroprotective role of statins. In this article, we review relevant clinical studies reported in 2010. RECENT FINDINGS: An overview of these indicates that the evidence for the use of statins specifically for offering renal protection against CIN is conflicting and inconclusive. SUMMARY: Pending large, well designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trials, it can be concluded that at present there is no definite evidence for their use in preventing CIN apart from their antiatherosclerotic use. However, using the analogy of beneficial effect of statin preloading with percutaneous coronary intervention, it can be speculated that high-dose statin may be beneficial in affording nephroprotection against CIN.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a commonly occurring complication associated with the use of contrast media in radiological studies. Various clinical studies have been reported investigating the nephroprotective role of statins. In this article, we review relevant clinical studies reported in 2010. RECENT FINDINGS: An overview of these indicates that the evidence for the use of statins specifically for offering renal protection against CIN is conflicting and inconclusive. SUMMARY: Pending large, well designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trials, it can be concluded that at present there is no definite evidence for their use in preventing CIN apart from their antiatherosclerotic use. However, using the analogy of beneficial effect of statin preloading with percutaneous coronary intervention, it can be speculated that high-dose statin may be beneficial in affording nephroprotection against CIN.