MOVING POINTS IN NEPHROLOGY

N-Acetylcysteine in the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, New York, and State University of New York School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York

¹ To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: sfishbane{at}winthrop.org.

	Abstract

Background and objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common clinical problem that is growing in importance as an increasing number of tests and procedures that utilize contrast media are performed.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements: The biological and pharmacological properties of n-acetylcysteine (NAC) are reviewed, as well as the current literature relevant to the ability of NAC to prevent CIN.

Results: After publication of a seminal study by Tepel et al. in 2000, there has been a surge in interest regarding the ability of NAC to reduce the risk for CIN. Since then a large number of studies, mostly with relatively small sample sizes, have been published.

Conclusions: The results have been remarkably varied with some studies finding great efficacy with NAC but most finding no significant benefit.