The Protective Effect of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin and N-acetylcysteine in Radiocontrast-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Chung, Sarah; Kim, Eui Sik; Jung, Ji Yoon; Kim, Nan Hee; Choi, Dae Eun; Na, Ki Ryang; Lee, Kang Wook; Shin, Young Tai

Abstract

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with underlying renal dysfunction, who are regarded as a high risk group.
METHODS
This study included 77 individuals with renal insufficiency, defined by a serum creatinine concentration above 1.2 mg/dL or creatinine clearance of more than 15 mL/min/1.73m2 and less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2. These patients who needed radiologic interventions including the use of radiocontrast materials from August 2006 to May 2007 were randomly assigned to one of four groups, which were treated with EPO only, NAC only, EPO plus NAC and placebo respectively. The serum creatinine and cystatin-C were measured before, 24 hours and 48 hours after the intervention. The creatinine clearance was obtained using the Cockcroft-Gault equation.
RESULTS
The serum level of creatinine in EPO plus NAC group was not significantly elevated 24 and 48 hours after radiocontrast exposure compared to control group (p=0.012). Also, the creatinine clearance of EPO plus NAC group was not significantly decreased after radiocontrast exposure compared to control group (p=0.046). The serum level of creatinine in EPO and NAC group increased less than control group, but there were no significant differences between the groups. Also, the creatinine clearance in EPO and NAC group decreased less than control group, but there were no significant differences between the groups.
CONCLUSION
EPO plus NAC showed a renoprotective effect on radiocontrast study in patients with underlying renal dysfunction.