Introduction: Contrast-induced nephropathy is an impairment of renal function where there is an increase in serum creatinine of 25 % or ≥ 44 µmol/L (0.5 mg/dL) from baseline within 48–72 hours after exposure to contrast media. In diagnostic radiology, contrast agents increase the contrast between tissues and organs and can be given orally, rectally, intravenously, or by injection into body cavities. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to present contrast-induced nephropathy through a systematic review of the literature and to explain anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the kidneys. Iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents will be described from the perspective of nephrotoxicity, side effects, safety of use, risk factors and preventive measures. Methods: We used a descriptive method with a systematic literature review. In the thesis we included publicly accessible articles published within the last ten years, in Slovenian and English, which met the inclusion criteria. For the literature search we used databases PubMed, COBISS, Google Scholar, Radiopaedia, RUL, ScienceDirect and library sources. Results: Sixteen relevant articles from the databases were categorized by title, author, year, method, purpose and findings. The results show that iodinated contrast agents have a higher risk for contrast-induced nephropathy. Osmolality, hydration, viscosity, volume and associated disease also affect the risk. Recent research confirms biomarkers as a possibility for earlier detection of contrast-induced nephropathy. Discussion and conclusion: Contrast-induced nephropathy represents clinical complication that mostly affects patients with impaired renal function, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, associated diseases and in the elderly population. The most important preventive measures are adequate hydration of the patient before and after contrast application, adjusted to the patient's hemodynamic status, body weight and comorbidities, assessment of renal function and adjustment of the dose and method of contrast media application. The use of iodinated contrast agents is associated with higher risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy compared to gadolinium-based contrast agents, where the incidence is extremely low. Lowosmolal and iso-osmolal contrast agents have a lower risk of contrast-induced nephropathy because they cause less osmotic stress on renal tissue.
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