Use of fenoldopam for prevention of radiocontrast nephropathy in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: a case series.

Abstract

Many of the longstanding challenges in interventional cardiology, such as restenosis and thrombosis, have been met. However, radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (RCN) continues to be problematic, particularly as the population of patients who are diagnosed and treated for vascular occlusions in the cardiac catheterization laboratory have become increasingly older and more complex. Introduction of nonionic contrast media has not eliminated this problem. We present the cases of four high risk patients whom we treated with a newly available renal vasodilator, fenoldopam, as a strategy to prevent RCN and its associated morbidity and mortality.