‘Baking Soda’ Prevents Kidney Damage from IV Dye

NEW YORK—A new report in the April issue of the American Journal of KidneyDiseases reveals that sodium bicarbonate-based hydration solutions cut the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy by more than half. Results were similar for patients who already had decreased kidney function prior to the test.

Radiocontrast agents are a type of medical contrast medium (dye) used to improve the visibility of internal bodily structures in imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray imaging. Modern contrast agents are typically based on iodine. Most often they are used intravenously.

Contrast-induced nephropathy may occur when the filtering units of the kidney are damaged, said Bryan N. Becker, MD, president of the National Kidney Foundation. This damage allows protein normally kept in the blood plasma to leak into the urine in large amounts. Since the protein in the blood helps keep fluid in the bloodstream, this type of kidney injury can also be associated with swelling or edema. If severe enough, contrast-induced nephropathy can cause kidney failure that requires kidney dialysis to help remove toxins from the blood or a transplant.

To minimize the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, various actions can be taken if the patient has predisposing conditions. Three factors have been associated with an increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy: preexisting renal insufficiency, diabetes and dehydration.

The authors also observed that sodium bicarbonate was safe in patients who had heart disease.