TUBULAR TOXICITY IS THE MAIN RENAL EFFECT OF CONTRAST-MEDIA

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of contrast media on both tubular and glomerular function. Different parameters of tubular and glomerular function were determined before and at 1, 3, and 5 days after the intravascular administration of contrast media in 100 adult renal patients (plasma creatinine 0.6-10.8 mg/dL, mean: 1.3). Urinary activities of five tubular enzymes (alanine aminopeptidase, gamma-glu tamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, N-acety l-beta-D-glucosaminidase) increased significantly on the first day aft er the administration of contrast media, indicating a tubular damage. Glomerular filtration rate and the conventional tests of glomerular fu nction (plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance, and urinary proteins) presented only slight variations after the administration of contrast media. In conclusion, contrast media principally affected the venal t ubule (as demonstrated by enzymuria), while their effects on glomerula r function were very mild.