Contrast nephropathy: can we see the whole picture

Abstract

Renal protection has remained a highly topical subject for years. The focus of any prophylactic strategy remains adequate hydration. It has become clear that the liberal hydration policy practised for years by most anaesthetists has been based on flawed logic and has been, to a large extent, inappropriate and even harmful to patients.1 We see an increased usage of invasive radiology techniques for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The radiocontrast media used in these procedures may cause a reversible form of acute renal failure.