USE OF LOW-OSMOLAR AGENTS AND PREMEDICATION TO REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF ADVERSE REACTIONS TO RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST-MEDIA - A SURVEY OF THE SOCIETY-OF-URORADIOLOGY

PURPOSE: To assess the decisions made by uroradiologists regarding cho ice of type of intravenous contrast material (low-osmolar contrast med ia [LOCM] vs conventional ionic agents) and frequency of use of cortic osteroid prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was maile d to 158 members of the Society of Uroradiology. There were 108 respon ses received, yielding a response rate of 68%. Results from 76 represe nted institutions were tabulated. RESULTS: Most respondents practice a t institutions in which LOCM are used selectively rather than universa lly. Corticosteroid prophylaxis in patients at risk is used with simil ar frequency at both types of institutions. There is considerable dive rsity in pretreatment regimens (ie, type and dose of corticosteroid us ed). Although antihistamines are used by many uroradiologists (almost always in conjunction with corticosteroids), Hz receptor antagonists a re used at only a few institutions. CONCLISION: At institutions in whi ch LOCM are used selectively, the majority of respondents use LOCM qui te liberally, with most choosing these agents in patients at risk. Cor ticosteroid prophylaxis is widely used by respondents. There is much v ariation in the type of pretreatment regimen and its use in specific c linical settings.