Open AccessA comparison of heparinized low osmolality ionic and nonionic contrast media in 500 patients undergoing cardiac angiography
Author(s) -
Feldman R. L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960131109
Subject(s) - medicine , vomiting , nausea , complication , anesthesia , adverse effect , stenosis , pulmonary edema , cardiac catheterization , angioplasty , cardiology , surgery , lung
Low osmolar contrast media (CM) cause less hemodynamic and electrical changes than conventional CM, and many cardiologist have switched to the newer agents. Recently, concerns about a possible increased frequency of thromboembolic complications with low osmolar CM have been raised. This study compared two low osmolar heparinized CM, one ionic (Hexabrix) and the other nonionic (Isovue), in 500 consecutive patients undergoing either diagnostic catheterization (417) or coronary angioplasty (83). Adverse effects were uncommon (37 patients), but were more frequent with Hexabrix (12%) than Isovue (3%); p < 0.05. The most common adverse effects were nausea or vomiting. Death, related to abrupt occlusion of a severe left main stenosis occurred in one patient who received Hexabrix, and acute pulmonary edema occurred in one patient who received Isovue. No apparent thromboembolic complication occurred. In conclusion, both low osmolar CM were well tolerated, but Hexabrix caused more transient nausea or vomiting. Both CM were safe and the incidence of thromboembolic complications when prospectively looked for was very low.