Cardiovasc Imaging Asia.  2025 Jan;9(1):9-14. 10.22468/cvia.2025.00017.

The Effect of Oral Carbohydrate-Rich Solution Administration for Reducing Discomfort and Adverse Reactions in Patients for Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography

• Jang S
• Choi SI

• KMID: 2565387
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22468/cvia.2025.00017

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of administration of oral carbohydrate-rich solution (ORS) for reducing discomfort and adverse effects of contrast media in patients who should undergo coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).
Materials and Methods
A total 142 patients scheduled for CCTA were randomly divided into two different groups. Patients assigned to group A (n=71) were instructed to maintain fasting at least 6 hours before CCTA. Patients in group B (n=71) were allowed to freely drink ORS up to three cans until 2 hours before CCTA. Subjective discomfort was assessed in both groups by questionnaires consisting of 5 different items that scored from 0 to 10 for each items 2 hours prior to and 30 minutes after CCTA. Acute side effects to contrast media including emetic complication were evaluated in both groups.
Results
The ORS was well-tolerated in all patients without causing any unexpected complications. In group B, scores reflecting subjective discomfort were significantly lower than those of group A before (20.8±6.2 vs. 15.1±6.3; p<0.001) and after the CCTA (22.5±6.0 vs. 16.3± 5.0; p<0.001). In addition, emetic symptoms were significantly lower in group B than in group A after the CCTA (p=0.012). Aspiration pneumonia or contrast induced nephropathy were not observed in both groups.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that preparative ORS intake before CCTA is a safe practice to reduce adverse effects on contrast media and improve patients’ discomfort without causing aspiration pneumonia.

Keyword

Computed tomography angiography; Contrast media; Fasting; Carbohydrate