[Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy and management of high-risk patients].

Radiological procedures that utilize intravascular iodinated contrast media are being widely applied for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and represent one of the main causes of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and hospital-acquired renal failure. Owing to the lack of any effective treatment, prevention of this iatrogenic disease, which is associated with significant in-hospital and long-term morbidity and mortality and increased costs, is the key strategy. However, prevention of CIN continues to elude clinicians and is a main concern during percutaneous coronary interventions, as patients undergoing these procedures often have multiple comorbidities. The purpose of this article is to examine the risk factors and clinical course of CIN, as well as the most recent studies dealing with its prevention and potential therapeutic interventions, especially during percutaneous coronary interventions.