Effect of an ionic compared to a non-ionic X-ray contrast agent on platelets and coagulation during diagnostic cardiac catheterisation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ionic (ioxaglate) and non-ionic (iopromide) contrast media on haemostatic parameters ex vivo. In 40 patients undergoing coronary angiography, platelet function (platelet reactivity and serotonin concentration) and coagulation markers [thrombin-antithrombin III complexes, prothrombin fragments (F1+2) and the D-dimers] were measured. The use of an ionic X-ray contrast agent (XCA) (ioxaglate) in diagnostic cardiac catheterisation angiography is associated with lower thrombin generation and lower activation of the platelet system than when a non-ionic XCA is employed (iopromide). The results thus confirm the results of various in vitro studies and animal investigations.