Renal Effects of Iopentol and Iohexol after Intravenous Injection

Renal effects of the 2 non-ionic contrast media iopentol and iohexol were investigated and compared in a double-blind, randomized parallel study where 30 patients received iopentol, and 31 patients iohexol intravenously for abdominal CT. The dosage of contrast medium (350 mg I/ml) was 700 mg I/kg body weight. Only one patient (in the iohexol group) had an increase in serum creatinine of more than 50%. Iopentol and iohexol had no effects on the mean serum values of creatinine, urea, and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) nor on creatinine clearance. The urinary excretion of albumin and beta 2-MG was also unchanged. The excretion of the proximal tubular enzymes alkaline phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase was increased. No significant difference between iopentol and iohexol was found.