EFFECT OF NITRENDIPINE ON RENAL-FUNCTION AND ON HORMONAL PARAMETERS AFTER INTRAVASCULAR IOPROMIDE

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the low-molecular nonionic radiogra phic contrast agent iopromide (UItravist) on renal function, vasoactiv e peptides (angiotensin II, aldosterone, arginine vasopressin, and atr ial natriuretic factor (ANF)), and blood pressure, and to evaluate the influence of the calcium antagonist nitrendipine on these parameters. The findings were evaluated in a prospective, double-blind and placeb o-controlled randomized study. Material and Methods: Twenty-six patien ts undergoing routine aortofemoral arteriography for peripheral athero sclerotic disease were treated with nitrendipine tablets (10 mg) or pl acebo twice daily for a week. Angiography was performed on the fifth d ay of medication. Efficacy variables were determined on the day before and 2 days after arteriography. The glomerular filtration rate and re nal plasma flow were measured by the constant infusion technique. Rena l tubular function was estimated from the clearance of lithium. Hormon es were measured by radioimmunoassays. Results: Arteriography with iop romide did not change renal function. No differences between the nitre ndipine and placebo groups were found in renal hemodynamics, tubular s odium handling, or blood pressure. Nitrendipine changed ANF (26.1%) co mpared to placebo (1.5%), whereas the other hormones were not affected .Conclusion: The use of iopromide for angiography did not affect renal function in normotensive patients with peripheral atherosclerotic dis ease. Shortterm treatment with nitrendipine may lower the plasma level s of ANF but it had no effect on renal function or blood pressure. Tre atment with calcium antagonists prior to arteriography with iopromide is not indicated in these patients.