Safety of gadolinium contrast agent in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the safety of a gadolinium (Gd) contrast agent in hemodialysis patients.

Material and Methods: Seventy hemodialysis patients underwent contrast-enhanced MR examination. After the examination, the patients were hemodialyzed on a usual schedule, i.e., 3 times per week at 4 h each session. The hemodialysis was performed on the same day in 16 patients, the next day in 34, 2 days later in 14 and 3 days later in 6 patients. Serum Gd concentrations before and after the first to fourth hemodialysis sessions were analyzed in 11 patients. Cardiovascular, cutaneous, respiratory, psycho-neurological and digestive side effects were evaluated in all patients. Changes in liver and kidney functions, blood counts, and electrolytes were also checked.

Results and Conclusion: Neither side effects nor blood changes were noted in any of the patients. Average excretory rates were 78.2%, 95.6%, 98.7% and 99.5% in the first to fourth hemodialysis sessions, respectively. These results suggest that Gd contrast agents can be used in hemodialysis patients if hemodialysis is carried out promptly after the examination.