Contrast dye increases risk of nephropathy

X-rays performed with iodine dye increases risk for kidney failure in patients with impaired kidney function. This is according to data from Pennsylvania's Patient Safety Authority of 70 reported cases of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) that have prompted the group to issue a supplement to its quarterly March 2007 Patient Safety Advisory. Accompanying the advisory is a tool kit with information on CIN to help facilities raise awareness of the complication. According to the authority, patients who develop CIN will have more complications, more serious long-term outcomes, a worse prognosis, and prolonged hospital stays, resulting in increased hospital costs. CIN is the third most common cause of hospital-acquired kidney failure in the U.S.

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