The Incidence, Classification, and Management of Acute Adverse Reactions to the Low-Osmolar Iodinated Contrast Media Isovue and Ultravist in Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Scanning

Radiocontrast medium induces histamine release in association with upregulation of miR‑19a‑3p and miR‑362‑3p expression

In Taiwan, the use of radiocontrast medium for clinical image diagnosis recently surpassed one million times and the overall prevalence of radiocontrast hypersensitivity was ~7%. A microRNA (miRNA/miRs) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that mostly plays a suppressor role in cells. However, the roles of miRNA expression in radiocontrast-induced mast cells activation remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miRNA on radiocontrast-induced mast cell activation. Computed tomography radiocontrast, ultravist and mouse mast cell line, P815, were used in the present study. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 experiment. Levels of histamine and β-hexosaminidase were measured by ELISA. miRNA expression was detected by miRNA sequencing and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The results showed that ultravist could increase histamine release and reduce intracellular β-hexosaminidase levels of mast cells. A total of 102 miRNAs could be significantly upregulated by ultravist stimulation. Selected candidate miRNAs for the validation included miR-19a-3p and miR-362-3p which were also increased expression following stimulation with ultravist. In conclusion, ultravist could induce mast cell activation through upregulation of miR-19a-3p and miR-362-3p. Thus, miR-19a-3p and miR-362-3p could be promising candidates for development as novel targets for preventing radiocontrast-induced allergy in the future.

Safety of non-ionic contrast media in CT examinations for out-patients: retrospective multicenter analysis of 473,482 patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.

RESULTS

Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.

CONCLUSION

The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.

KEY POINTS

• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients. • Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%. • There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.

Acute Adverse Events After Iodinated Contrast Agent Administration of 359,977 Injections: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of patient variables, examination variables, and seasonality on allergic-like and physiologic reactions to iodinated contrast material (ICM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All ICM-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examinations performed from June 1, 2009, to May 9, 2017, at our institution were included. Reactions were identified and categorized as allergic-like or physiologic and mild, moderate, or severe. The effect of patient and examination variables on reactions was evaluated by logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 359,977 CT examinations performed on 176,886 unique patients were included. A total of 1150 allergic-like reactions (0.32%; 19 severe [0.005%]) and 679 physiologic reactions (0.19%; 3 severe [0.0008%]) occurred. On multivariable analysis, iopromide had higher rates of reactions compared with iohexol (allergic-like reactions: odds ratio [OR], 3.07 [95% CI, 2.37 to 3.98], P<.0001; physiologic reactions: OR, 2.60 [1.92 to 3.52], P<.0001). Non-White patients had higher rates of reactions compared with White patients (allergic-like reactions: OR, 1.77 [1.36-2.30], P<.0001; physiologic reactions: OR, 1.76 [1.27-2.42], P=.0006). Patient age, sex, prior ICM reaction, ICM dose, CT location, and CT type were also significantly associated with reactions. No significant seasonality trend was observed (P=.07 and .80).

CONCLUSION

Non-White patients and patients administered iopromide had higher rates of acute reactions compared with White patients and patients administered iohexol. Younger patients (<50 years vs 51 to 60 years), female sex, history of ICM allergy or other allergies, ICM dose, and contrast-enhanced CT location and type also correlated with higher acute reaction rates.

Evaluation of Factors Associated with Adverse Drug Events in South Korea Using a Population-Based Database

This retrospective study aims to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of ADEs using nationally representative claims data. All patients with at least one claim with diagnosis codes denoting potential ADE between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2015 were included. Potential ADE was defined as ADE identified in the claims data, because it was not verified. The index date was defined as the date of the first claim with potential ADEs. Demographic data were collected at the index date, while data on comorbidities and number of medications used were collected six months before the index date. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the association between potential ADEs and several factors, including sex, age group, insurance type, comorbidities, and number of prescribed medications. Patients with potential ADEs were older, had more chronic diseases, and used more medications than those without potential ADEs. In the multivariate analysis, occurrence of potential ADEs was associated with age (≥65 years, odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.21), Medical Aid program (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.27–1.47), Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (≥5, OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.56–3.20), and use of six or more medications (6–10 medications, OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.79–1.99). Age, Medical Aid program, comorbidities, and number of medications were associated with occurrence of potential ADEs.

Risk of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Iopromide in Children and Elderly: An Analysis of 132,850 Patients From 4 Observational Studies and Pharmacovigilance Covering >288 Million Administrations

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to iopromide in children and elderly patients in comparison to adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four observational studies were pooled and analyzed (analysis I). In addition, spontaneous reports from 1985 to 2020 from the pharmacovigilance database were evaluated (analysis II). All patients received iopromide for angiographic procedures or contrast-enhanced computed tomography in various indications. In analysis I, a nested case-control analysis, including a multivariable logistic regression model, based on pooled observational study data, was performed. Cases were defined as patients with a typical and unequivocal HSR; controls were patients without any recorded reaction. In analysis II, all spontaneous reports on HSRs after iopromide administration recorded in the pharmacovigilance database were descriptively analyzed. Exposure estimates on the size of the exposed age groups were derived from sales data and data from market research. The primary target variable was the risk of HSR to iopromide in children (<18 years) and elderly patients (≥65 years) compared with adults (≥18 to <65 years).

RESULTS

In analysis I, a total of 132,850 patients were included (2978 children, 43,209 elderly, and 86,663 adults). Hypersensitivity reactions were significantly less frequent in children (0.47%) and elderly (0.38%) compared with adults (0.74%). The adjusted odds ratio (vs adults) for children was 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.98; P < 0.043), and that for the elderly was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.61; P < 0.001), indicating a lower risk for both subpopulations as compared with adults. In analysis II, of the overall >288 million iopromide administrations, 5.87, 114.18, and 167.97 million administrations were administered to children, elderly, and adults, respectively. The reporting rate for HSRs in children (0.0114%) and elderly (0.0071%) was significantly lower as compared with adults (0.0143%) (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypersensitivity reactions to iopromide were significantly less frequent in children and elderly compared with adults.

A systematic review of the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and post-contrast acute kidney injury after ioversol in more than 57,000 patients: part 1-intravenous administration

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), after intravenous (IV) administration of ioversol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search (1980-2021) of studies documenting IV use of ioversol and presence or absence of ADRs, HSRs, or PC-AKI was performed. Key information including patients' characteristics, indication and dose of ioversol, safety outcome incidence, intensity and seriousness were extracted.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies (> 57,000 patients) were selected, including 4 pediatric studies. The incidence of ADRs in adults was reported in 12 studies from ioversol clinical development with a median (range) of 1.65% (0-33.3%), and 3 other studies with an incidence between 0.13 and 0.28%. The incidence of HSRs (reported in 2 studies) ranged from 0.20 to 0.66%, and acute events (4 studies) from 0.23 to 1.80%. Severe reactions were rare with a median (range) of 0 (0-4%), and none were reported among pediatric patients. The incidence of ADRs and HSRs with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest in studies comparing different iodinated contrast media (ICM) of the same class. PC-AKI incidence was variable (1-42% in 5 studies); however, ioversol exposure per se did not increase the incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

When administered by the IV route, ioversol has a good safety profile comparable to that of other ICM within the same class, with a low incidence of severe/serious ADRs overall, and particularly HSRs. PC-AKI incidence does not seem to be increased compared to patients who did not receive ioversol. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm these results.

KEY POINTS

• Ioversol has a good safety profile in adult and pediatric patients when IV administered. • ADR and HSR incidence with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest compared to other ICM. • IV administration of ioversol per se did not increase PC-AKI incidence.

Preprocedural fasting for contrast-enhanced CT: when experience meets evidence

Traditional preparatory fasting policy prior to iodinated contrast media (ICM) assisted contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) examinations lacks methodologically acceptable evidence. Considering the possible negative effects of preprocedural fasting, the latest European Society of Urogenital Radiology guidelines V10.0 and American Committee of Radiology 2021 guidelines clearly state that preprocedural fasting is not recommended prior to routine intravenous ICM administration. This comprehensive and detailed Review presents the current global dietary preparation policies, potential harm of excessive fasting, and a systematical and well-bedded description of practice advancements of dietary preparation. The evidences revealed that there has been no single instance of vomiting-associated aspiration pneumonia due to the undemanding implementation of preparatory fasting prior to CECT yet. Non-fasting would not increase the incidence of emetic symptoms and the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Not every patient should undergo all CECT examinations without preparatory fasting. There is still much more refinement to be done on the preparatory fasting policy. Changes in traditional preparatory fasting policy will make positive and significant implications on clinical practice. This Review aims to provide operational guidance and suggestions for practitioners and policymakers, motivate efficient, reasonable, safe and normative ICM usage, and achieve optimal patient clinical benefits and high-quality radiological care practices.

Use of O-arm With Intraoperative Arteriography for Localization and Stealth Navigation of the Vertebral Arteries During Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

BACKGROUND

Vertebral artery injury (VAI) can be a devastating complication during cervical spine surgery. Although considered a rare occurrence overall, incidences of VAI have been reported in the ranges of 0.07% to 8%. Such injuries have the potential for catastrophic consequences, including blood loss, permanent morbid neurologic injury, and even death. The introduction of intraoperative navigation using either preoperative or intraoperative imaging has now been widely adopted in current practice so as to try and minimize adverse outcomes while giving real-time, dynamic information of the operative field. The use of the O-arm Surgical Imaging System during cervical spine surgery allows one to obtain high-resolution, accurate intraoperative imaging, and when used in concert with forms of intraoperative navigation, it can help with instrumentation and safety. However, patients undergoing cervical spine surgery do not routinely undergo preoperative vascular imaging, particularly with regard to anterior cervical or posterior high-cervical surgeries, where the incidence of VAI, in comparison with other cervical surgeries, has been reported to be the highest.

METHODS

Here we present the use of intraoperative O-arm-based arteriography for integration with navigation for vertebral artery localization during C1 to C3 posterior instrumentation and fusion of an unstable C2 fracture in a 54-year-old man.

RESULTS

The patient did not experience any intraoperative VAI and was subsequently discharged with no focal neurologic deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed in our report is our protocol and procedure for obtaining and using intraoperative angiographic images.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Case report detailing O arm for intraoperative identification of vertebral arteries during C1-C3 posterior instrumentation and fusion with pre-operative unilateral vertebral artery injury.

Safety Analysis of Iobitridol as a Nonionic Contrast Medium: A Postmarketing Multicenter Surveillance Study With 94,960 Patients Almost 20 Years After Introduction

OBJECTIVES

Our study sought to reevaluate the safety and diagnostic efficacy of iobitridol as a nonionic contrast medium after almost 20 years of use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This noninterventional postmarketing surveillance noncontrolled, multicenter (168 centers in Germany) study enrolled 94,960 patients receiving intravenous or intra-arterial iobitridol. The majority of the adjusted population (n = 92,550, 98.2%) underwent either computed tomography examination (n = 46,502, 49.3%) or intravenous urography (n = 46,048, 48.8%). A standardized questionnaire was used to ascertain patient's information, known risk factors, renal function status, premedication, type of examination, injection of contrast agent, imaging quality, diagnostic value, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 469 patients (0.49%) experienced an adverse event (AE), and 24 patients (0.025%) reported a serious AE (SAE). All patients recovered and no fatal event occurred. The prevalence of AE was significantly higher in patients with at least one risk factor, with premedication, with a history of AE, in female and patients younger than 60 years old (P < 0.05). Presence of at least one risk factor is the only predictive factor for the prevalence of SAE (P = 0.042). In patients with a history of AE, premedication did not significantly lower the AE rate (P = 0.737). No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of AE between the different combination of cortisone and/or antihistamines as pretreatment was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Iobitridol is a safe contrast medium with a high tolerability and efficacy. Presence of risk factors such as cardiovascular diseases, allergies, or asthma was the only significant predictive factor for an AE and an SAE. Premedication did not significantly lower the occurrence of an AE and an SAE.

Is fasting still necessary prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography? A randomized clinical study

OBJECTIVES

There is very limited evidence to support the common practice of preparative fasting prior to contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT). This study examined the effect of withholding fasting orders, prior to contrast-enhanced CT, on the incidence of aspiration pneumonitis and adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial enrolled hospitalized patients referred for non-emergency, contrast-enhanced CT scan to either at least 4 h of fasting or to an unrestricted consumption of liquids and solids up to the time of CT. The primary outcome was incidence of aspiration pneumonitis and the secondary outcomes were rates of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and/or vomiting).

RESULTS

After excluding participants with incomplete follow-up, a total of 1080 participants were assigned to the fasting group and 1011 were assigned to the non-fasting group. Aspiration pneumonitis was not identified in either group. The mean time of fasting in the fasting group was 8.4 ± 1.6 h. Rates of nausea and vomiting were not statistically different between the fasting group compared with the non-fasting group, 6.6% vs. 7.6% (p = 0.37) and 2.6% vs. 3.0% (p = 0.58), respectively. A subgroup analysis of patients who were required to drink oral contrast agent (n = 1257) showed that rates of nausea and vomiting were not statistically different between the fasting and non-fasting groups, 6.8% vs. 8.0% (p = 0.42) and 2.6% vs. 3.6% (p = 0.3), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Withholding fasting orders prior to contrast-enhanced CT was not associated with a greater risk of aspiration pneumonitis or a significant increase in rates of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03533348 KEY POINTS: • Is fasting necessary prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)? • In this randomized clinical study including 2091 participants referred to non-emergency contrast-enhanced CT scan, withholding preparative fasting was not associated with a greater risk of aspiration pneumonitis or clinically significant increase in rates of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. • Eating and drinking prior to contrast-enhanced CT can be allowed and are not associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonitis.

Rapid collapse of the inferior vena cava in a patient with cardiac arrest induced by anaphylactic shock after iodinated contrast medium injection

Anaphylactic shock to contrast media can progress to cardiac arrest despite appropriate treatment. During anaphylactic shock to contrast media, rapid vasodilation and a massive fluid shift can occur. Here we report a patient who developed cardiac arrest induced by anaphylactic shock to iodinated contrast medium and exhibited rapid collapse of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) images. The patient underwent postsurgical unenhanced and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT follow-up of cecum cancer. She had neither allergy nor medical history except for the cancer. She did not complain of any symptoms immediately after completion of the CT. However, she developed anaphylactic shock and pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest only 2 minutes after finishing the CT despite appropriate treatment. Emergency physicians successfully treated the patient using advanced life support and targeted temperature management. She recovered with good overall and cerebral performance (Overall Performance Category (OPC) 1 and Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1). On the contrast-enhanced CT images, she exhibited rapid collapse of the IVC, although it was normal on the unenhanced CT images. The collapsed IVC is a good indicator of hypovolemia in patients with trauma. In this case, we considered that rapid vasodilation and a massive volume shift might have caused the collapsed IVC. This finding suggests the importance of aggressive volume resuscitation as well as epinephrine injection in patients with anaphylactic shock to contrast media. Furthermore, this finding occurred before the onset of clinical symptoms, and there is a possibility that it could be used as an indicator of anaphylactic shock to contrast media.

Deep learning for cerebral angiography segmentation from non-contrast computed tomography

Cerebral computed tomography angiography is a widely available imaging technique that helps in the diagnosis of vascular pathologies. Contrast administration is needed to accurately assess the arteries. On non-contrast computed tomography, arteries are hardly distinguishable from the brain tissue, therefore, radiologists do not consider this imaging modality appropriate for the evaluation of vascular pathologies. There are known contraindications to administering iodinated contrast media, and in these cases, the patient has to undergo another examination to visualize cerebral arteries, such as magnetic resonance angiography. Deep learning for image segmentation has proven to perform well on medical data for a variety of tasks. The aim of this research was to apply deep learning methods to segment cerebral arteries on non-contrast computed tomography scans and consequently, generate angiographies without the need for contrast administration. The dataset for this research included 131 patients who underwent brain non-contrast computed tomography directly followed by computed tomography with contrast administration. Then, the segmentations of arteries were generated and aligned with non-contrast computed tomography scans. A deep learning model based on the U-net architecture was trained to perform the segmentation of blood vessels on non-contrast computed tomography. An evaluation was performed on separate test data, as well as using cross-validation, reaching Dice coefficients of 0.638 and 0.673, respectively. This study proves that deep learning methods can be leveraged to quickly solve problems that are difficult and time-consuming for a human observer, therefore providing physicians with additional information on the patient. To encourage the further development of similar tools, all code used for this research is publicly available.

Acute Adverse Reactions to Nonionic Iodinated Contrast Media: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to meta-analytically compare the incidence of acute adverse reactions (AARs) to nonionic iodinated contrast media (ICM) according to the type of ICM in patients who underwent radiologic examinations with administration of ICM via intravascular route.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search identified studies evaluating the incidence of AARs to 7 nonionic ICM (iobitridol, iohexol, iomeprol, iopamidol, iopromide, ioversol, and iodixanol) with extractable outcomes. These outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model, and the effect of ICM type on the incidence of overall and severe AARs was evaluated using meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty studies with 1,360,488 exposures to ICM were included. The pooled incidences of overall and severe AARs to nonionic ICM were 1.03% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81%-1.30%; I = 0.99) and 0.0141% (95% CI, 0.0108%-0.0183%; I = 0.56), respectively. Iomeprol had the highest overall AAR incidence (1.74%; 95% CI, 0.79%-3.76%; I = 0.99), followed by iohexol (1.21%; 95% CI, 0.67%-2.17%; I = 0.99), iopamidol (1.10%; 95% CI, 0.60%-2.03%; I = 0.99), ioversol (0.88%; 95% CI, 0.43%-1.83%; I = 0.96), iodixanol (0.85%; 95% CI, 0.36%-1.95%; I = 0.99), iopromide (0.82%; 95% CI, 0.43%-1.55%; I = 0.99), and iobitridol (0.77%; 95% CI, 0.36%-1.62%; I = 0.99). Multivariable meta-regression analysis revealed that study design (P = 0.0014) and premedication (P = 0.0230) were statistically significant determinants affecting the incidence of overall AARs. Iodinated contrast media type did not affect the incidence of overall and severe AARs (P = 0.1453 and 0.4265, each).

CONCLUSIONS

The varying pooled incidences of overall and severe AARs to specific types of nonionic ICM do not remain as significant after adjusting confounders. Our results may support nonrestriction of certain types of nonionic ICM in the context of AAR avoidance.

Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI for surveillance of pediatric cerebral arteriovenous malformations

OBJECTIVE

Children with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) undergo digital DSA for lesion surveillance following their initial diagnosis. However, DSA carries risks of radiation exposure, particularly for the growing pediatric brain and over lifetime. The authors evaluated whether MRI enhanced with a blood pool ferumoxytol (Fe) contrast agent (Fe-MRI) can be used for surveillance of residual or recurrent AVMs.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was assembled of children with an established AVM diagnosis who underwent surveillance by both DSA and 3-T Fe-MRI from 2014 to 2016. Two neuroradiologists blinded to the DSA results independently assessed Fe-enhanced T1-weighted spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in steady state (Fe-SPGR) scans and, if available, arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion scans for residual or recurrent AVMs. Diagnostic confidence was examined using a Likert scale. Sensitivity, specificity, and intermodality reliability were determined using DSA studies as the gold standard. Radiation exposure related to DSA was calculated as total dose area product (TDAP) and effective dose.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in this study (mean age 10 years, range 3-15 years). The mean time between the first surveillance DSA and Fe-MRI studies was 17 days (SD 47). Intermodality agreement was excellent between Fe-SPGR and DSA (κ = 1.00) but poor between ASL and DSA (κ = 0.53; 95% CI 0.18-0.89). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting residual AVMs using Fe-SPGR were 100% and 100%, and using ASL they were 72% and 100%, respectively. Radiologists reported overall high diagnostic confidence using Fe-SPGR. On average, patients received two surveillance DSA studies over the study period, which on average equated to a TDAP of 117.2 Gy×cm2 (95% CI 77.2-157.4 Gy×cm2) and an effective dose of 7.8 mSv (95% CI 4.4-8.8 mSv).

CONCLUSIONS

Fe-MRI performed similarly to DSA for the surveillance of residual AVMs. Future multicenter studies could further investigate the efficacy of Fe-MRI as a noninvasive alternative to DSA for monitoring AVMs in children.

Adverse Drug Reactions to Radiographic Contrast Media in a Teaching Hospital in North India: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Radiocontrast media are used extensively nowadays to visualize internal organs. Currently, non-ionic iodinated contrast media are used which are generally considered to be safe but some adverse reactions have been reported. Thus, the present study was carried out to analyze the nature and incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to radiographic contrast media in a teaching hospital.

METHODS

An observational study carried out for a period of six months in a teaching hospital. Contrast media induced adverse reactions were analyzed in terms of affected organs, rate, causality assessment, severity and preventability. The treatment and outcomes of adverse events were also recorded. Naranjo Probability Scale was used to evaluate the relationship between the contrast agent used and the suspected ADR. The severity of the suspected ADRs was determined using Hartwig Scale and preventability was assessed using modified Schumock and Thornton criterion.

RESULTS

A total of 15 suspected ADRs occurred in 11 patients with an incidence of 1.4%. It included 5 (45.4%) males and 6 (54.5%) females (p < 05). The highest percentage (72.7 %) of ADRs was seen in adult patients, the mean age being 40.8 years. Vomiting (33.3%) was the most common ADR noted followed by severe nausea and rashes. 64.7 % of ADRs were categorized as probable and 35.3 % were possible. Adverse reactions required treatment in 46.6% patients. There was no fatality reported.

CONCLUSION

The reactions observed were mild to moderate in severity and occurred within 30 minutes of the administration of the contrast.

Categorization and association analysis of risk factors for adverse drug events

PURPOSE

Adverse drug events (ADE) are among the leading causes of morbidity and hospitalization. This review analyzes risk factors for ADE, particularly their categorizations and association patterns, the prevalence, severity, and preventability of ADE, and method characteristics of reviewed studies.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted via PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, and MEDLINE. A review was conducted of research articles that reported original data about specific risk factors for ADE since 2000. Data analyses were performed using Excel and R.

RESULTS

We summarized 211 risk factors for ADE, and grouped them into five main categories: patient-, disease-, medication-, health service-, and genetics-related. Among them, medication- and disease-related risk factors were most frequently studied. We further classified risk factors within each main category into subtypes. Among them, polypharmacy, age, gender, central nervous system agents, comorbidity, service utilization, inappropriate use/change use of drugs, cardiovascular agents, and anti-infectives were most studied subtypes. An association analysis of risk factors uncovered many interesting patterns. The median prevalence, preventability, and severity rate of reported ADE was 19.5% (0.29%~86.2%), 36.2% (2.63%~91%), and 16% (0.01%~47.4%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This review introduced new categories and subtypes of risk factors for ADE. The broad and in-depth coverage of risk factors and their association patterns elucidate the complexity of risk factor analysis. Managing risk factors for ADE is crucial for improving patient safety, particularly for the elderly, comorbid, and polypharmacy patients. Some under-explored risk factors such as genetics, mental health and wellness, education, lifestyle, and physical environment invite future research.

Retrospective analysis of non-laboratory-based adverse drug reactions induced by intravenous radiocontrast agents in a Joint Commission International-accredited academic medical center hospital in China

The authors retrospectively analyzed the pattern and characteristics of non-laboratory-based adverse drug reactions (ADRs) induced by intravenous radiocontrast agents in a large-scale hospital in China during 2014-2015. There were 314 ADR cases among 118,208 patients receiving enhanced CT or MRI examinations. The frequency of moderate/severe ADRs defined by Chinese Society of Radiology (ie, severe vomiting, systematic urticaria, facial swelling, dyspnea, vasovagal reaction, laryngeal edema, seizure, trembling, convulsions, unconsciousness, shock, death, and other unexpected adverse reactions) was rare (0.0431%), whereas the mild ADRs were uncommon (0.2225%) and accounted for 83.76% of ADRs. Frequency of ADRs induced by iodinated contrast agents was related with examination site, sex, and type of patient settings (P<0.01) and was higher compared with gadolinium contrast agents (0.3676% vs 0.0504%, P<0.01). From 2014 to 2015, frequencies of total and moderate/severe ADRs induced by iodinated contrast agents decreased significantly (0.4410% vs 0.2947%, P<0.01; 0.0960% vs 0.0282%, P<0.01, respectively). Frequency of ADRs differed among different iodinated contrast and gadolinium contrast (P<0.05) agents. Iopromide's ADR frequency in 2014 was significantly higher compared with iopamidol, ioversol, or iohexol (P<0.01). Frequency of moderate/severe ADRs induced by iodixanol was 4.1-5.4 times that of iohexol, iopromide, or iopamidol. Rash was the predominant ADR subtype (84.39%) and occurred more frequently with iodixanol compared with iohexol, iopamidol, or ioversol (P<0.01). Overall, 21.97% of ADR cases had allergy history or atopy traits, and these cases experienced ADRs earlier than the negative ones (17.19 min vs 85.34 min, P<0.01). The mean time to onset of ADRs was increased in patients receiving iodixanol compared with other iodinated contrast agents (323.77 min vs 42.36 min, P<0.01). Overall, 37.26% of ADRs occurred within 5 min and 84.08% of ADRs occurred within 30 min. Efficient quality improvement in decreasing ADRs induced by radiocontrast agents has been achieved by multidisciplinary collaboration.

Clinical observation of adverse drug reactions to non-ionic iodinated contrast media in population with underlying diseases and risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To determine the adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile of non-ionic iodinated contrast media in populations with underlying diseases and risk factors and to provide guidance for more safe and rational use of iodinated contrast media (ICMs) in the clinic.

METHODS

Data from 120,822 cases who underwent enhanced CT examination in our hospital from January 2014 to March 2016 were collected. A standardized case report form was used for data collection and analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of ADRs was 0.4% and 0.44% in patients with and without underlying diseases, respectively (p = 0.378). Risk factor analysis revealed that patients with asthma had the highest incidence of ADRs, followed by patients with cardiac insufficiency and patients who were aged had the lowest incidence. There was a low incidence of ADRs in patients under metformin (0.36%) and β-adrenaline receptor antagonist (0.20%) medication. The incidence was the highest in patients with previous ADRs to ICMs (7.17%) and the lowest in those with a history of ICM usage but no previous reactions (0.32%). ADRs were more common in patients at high risk at a higher injection dose (≥100 ml; p < 0.01) and speed (≥5 ml s^-1; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of ADRs was extremely low in patients regardless of underlying diseases. Some high-risk factors have certain correlations with the occurrence of ADRs. Particular attention should be given to patients at high risk when performing enhanced CT examination. Advances in knowledge: The correlation between various risk factors and underlying diseases and ADRs was comprehensively analyzed in a large-scale population.