9 N-acetylcysteine for the Prevention of Contrast

Contrast nephropathy is common in patients with chronic renal insufficiency undergoing coronary angiography or interventions1. Despite the improvements in interventional techniques which have significantly reduced other peri-procedural complications, the incidence of contrast nephropathy remains considerable after the interventional procedures. The risk factors for contrast nephropathy are advanced age, pre-existing renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, congestive heart failure and dose of contrast agent used1. Various prophylactic agents including calcium antagonists, theophylline, dopamine and atrial natriuretic peptides had been tried to prevent contrast nephropathy without success. Hydration remains the standard measure to prevent contras