Role of N-Acetylcysteine in Prevention of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the common complication of contrast media administration especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. This complication increases heath care costs as well as morbidity and mortality rates. Because there is no effective treatment, most of studies have been seeking effective measures for prevention of CI-AKI. . N-acetylcysteine has been frequently used to prevent CI-AKI for more than 10 years but the effectiveness of this agent is still inconclusive. This review article will explore the rationales and evidences of  N-acetylcysteine in CI-AKI prevention.