Abstract:

OBJECTIVE

Adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media constitute a major challenge in radiography practice. This study was aimed at establishing the prevalence of such reactions in our environment so as to plan for more effective management.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A total of 750 patients were approached for this study, but only One hundred and fifty patients participated. They were those referred for Intravenous Urography (IVU) and Computed Tomography (CT) Scans involving intravenous injection of Urografin 76%, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Lagos, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to capture the patient’s demography, experience during the procedure and adverse reactions observed.

Data were analyzed using a soft ware package EPI Info 3.5.1 and results were tested at 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

A very high prevalence of immediate adverse reaction of 92.7% was revealed. Use of ionic, high - osmolar contrasts agent, level of anxiety, suspected poor storage condition and handling by the importing vendors accounted for this high degree. History of allergy had no significance, while rapid injection rate was associated with increased prevalence. Most adverse reactions occurred within 5mins of injection of the contrast medium.

Nausea (63%), and Dizziness (50.4%) were the most two adverse reactions that manifested.

CONCLUSION

Majority of patients in this study suffered adverse reactions due to the use of ionic contrast agent. Non ionic contrast agents should replace ionic contrasts, in spite of the high cost. However, adequate precautionary measures should be put in place if the use of ionic contrast agent is inevitable.

KEY WORDS

Acute adverse reaction, contrast media, radiographic procedures, risk factors.

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