-
1.
Microbubble Formulations: Synthesis, Stability, Modeling and Biomedical Applications.
Upadhyay, A, Dalvi, SV
Ultrasound in medicine & biology. 2019;(2):301-343
Abstract
Microbubbles are increasingly being used in biomedical applications such as ultrasonic imaging and targeted drug delivery. Microbubbles typically range from 0.1 to 10 µm in size and consist of a protective shell made of lipids or proteins. The shell encapsulates a gaseous core containing gases such as oxygen, sulfur hexafluoride or perfluorocarbons. This review is a consolidated account of information available in the literature on research related to microbubbles. Efforts have been made to present an overview of microbubble synthesis techniques; microbubble stability; microbubbles as contrast agents in ultrasonic imaging and drug delivery vehicles; and side effects related to microbubble administration in humans. Developments related to the modeling of microbubble dissolution and stability are also discussed.
-
2.
Effect of Alprostadil on the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis of 36 Randomized Controlled Trials.
Xie, J, Jiang, M, Lin, Y, Deng, H, Li, L
Angiology. 2019;(7):594-612
Abstract
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third leading cause of acquired acute renal injury in hospitalized patients. Alprostadil plays a role in the maintenance and redistribution of intrarenal blood flow and the excretion of electrolytes and water. However, the effectiveness of alprostadil in preventing CIN remains controversial. Thirty-six articles with a total of 5495 patients were included in this study. Both groups (experimental group and control group) received standard hydration therapy. In the experimental group, patients received different doses of alprostadil. Serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cystatin C, creatinine clearance rate (CCr), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after contrast media injection. The incidence of CIN in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (6.56% vs 16.74%). The level of SCr, cystatin C, BUN, and β2-MG in the experimental group was lower than those in the control group; CCr and eGFR in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. This study demonstrated that alprostadil may reduce the incidence of CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiogram and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.
-
3.
Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles As MRI Contrast Agents In Tumor Multimodal Imaging And Therapy.
Cai, X, Zhu, Q, Zeng, Y, Zeng, Q, Chen, X, Zhan, Y
International journal of nanomedicine. 2019;:8321-8344
Abstract
Contrast agents (CAs) play a crucial role in high-quality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. At present, as a result of the Gd-based CAs which are associated with renal fibrosis as well as the inherent dark imaging characteristics of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, Mn-based CAs which have a good biocompatibility and bright images are considered ideal for MRI. In addition, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MONs, such as MnO, MnO2, Mn3O4, and MnOx) have attracted attention as T1-weighted magnetic resonance CAs due to the short circulation time of Mn(II) ion chelate and the size-controlled circulation time of colloidal nanoparticles. In this review, recent advances in the use of MONs as MRI contrast agents for tumor detection and diagnosis are reported, as are the advances in in vivo toxicity, distribution and tumor microenvironment-responsive enhanced tumor chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as photothermal and photodynamic therapies.
-
4.
Methods for Reducing Contrast Use and Avoiding Acute Kidney Injury During Endovascular Procedures.
Vergadis, C, Festas, G, Spathi, E, Pappas, P, Spiliopoulos, S
Current pharmaceutical design. 2019;(44):4648-4655
Abstract
Iodinated Contrast Media (CM) has a plethora of applications in routine non-invasive or percutaneous invasive imaging examinations and therapeutic interventions. Unfortunately, the use of CM is not without complications, with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) being among the most severe. CI-AKI is a syndrome defined as a rapid development of renal impairment after a few days of CM endovascular injection, without the presence of any other underlying related pathologies. Although mostly transient and reversible, for a subgroup of patients with comorbidities related to renal failure, CI-AKI is directly leading to longer hospitalization, elevated rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as the increased cost of funding. Thus, a need for classification in accordance with clinical and peri-procedural criteria is emerged. This would be very useful for CI-AKI patients in order to predict the ones who would have the greatest advantage from the application of preventive strategies. This article provides a practical review of the recent evidence concerning CI-AKI incidence, diagnosis, and sheds light on prevention methods for reducing contrast use and avoiding AKI during endovascular procedures. In conclusion, despite the lack of a specific treatment protocol, cautious screening, assessment, identification of the high-risk patients, and thus the application of simple interventions -concerning modifiable risk factors- can significantly reduce CI-AKI risk.
-
5.
Myocardial contrast echocardiography in the diagnosis of postoperative takotsubo myocardiopathy: case report and literature review.
Zeng, JH, Li, W, Yao, FJ, Liu, DH, Li, CL, Liu, YQ, Fan, R, Ye, M, Lin, H
BMC cardiovascular disorders. 2019;(1):9
Abstract
BACKGROUND Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a brief ventricular dysfunction that usually occurs after emotional or physical stress. Here, we report a patient who underwent cardiac surgery and then developed TCM during the postoperative period. CASE PRESENTATION A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of chest tightness, palpitations and dyspnoea after activity. An echocardiogram performed by our hospital showed rheumatic heart disease (severe mitral stenosis and regurgitation) with normal cardiac function and wall motion. After mitral valve replacement, this patient developed heart failure with low blood pressure and tachycardia. Urgent bedside echocardiography demonstrated akinesis in the middle and apical segments of the left ventricle and a depressed ejection fraction (EF) of 36%. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) showed similar enhancement intensity in the basal, middle and apical segments. Quantitative analysis showed approximately equivalent maximum intensity in these regions. The diagnosis was considered TCM instead of myocardial infarction. Then, an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted to maintain effective circulation and reduce the postcardiac load. Given ventilation therapy, postoperative anticoagulation therapy and anti-infection treatment, the patient recovered quickly. In the follow-up examination, the patient remained asymptomatic and showed normalization of ventricular wall motion in the apical segment. CONCLUSION This report presents a case of TCM in which MCE was used to demonstrate intact microvascular perfusion despite apical akinesis. This report might support the use of MCE as a substitute for invasive coronary angiography.
-
6.
Statins role in preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury: a scoping review.
Anjum, I, Akmal, M, Hasnain, N, Jahangir, M, Sohail, W
Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi. 2019;(3):216-221
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute renal failure secondary to contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is one of the most commonly encountered problems in hospitalised patients. The CI-AKI may lead to the development of persistent renal disease, causing significant morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients. Statins are increasingly recognised as effective in preventing CI-AKI. In this review, we reviewed the literature on statin use for prophylaxis of CI-AKI, its potential benefits, and adverse effects. The aim of the present review was to reveal gaps and discrepancies in the available literature, and to identify areas for future research. METHODS We searched PubMed for articles published up to 2018, using keywords including: "Statins AND contrast-induced kidney injury", "3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors AND contras-induced kidney injury", and "HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors AND contrast induced nephropathy". RESULTS Various trials and reviews have yielded promising results in terms of statin efficacy. However, conflicting results and a lack of homogeneity in the protocols of these trials have limited the applicability of statin-based therapy in clinical practice. Despite the reported beneficial therapeutic effects of short-term high-dosage statin use in preventing CI-AKI, statin therapy is not yet the standard prophylactic regimen due to widespread heterogeneity in the clinical trials. CONCLUSION Statin therapy can be used as an adjunct to usual prophylactic measures such as adequate hydration and use of low-volume contrast media. Large well-designed trials on the effects of short-term high-dose statin use in preventing CI-AKI should be conducted, to eliminate any form of discrepancy among results, and to clarify any potential adverse effects.
-
7.
Pathophysiology of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury (CIAKI).
Vlachopanos, G, Schizas, D, Hasemaki, N, Georgalis, A
Current pharmaceutical design. 2019;(44):4642-4647
Abstract
Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is a severe complication associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (CM); a sudden but potentially reversible fall in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) typically occurring 48-72 hours after CM administration. Principal risk factors related with the presentation of CIAKI are preexisting chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Studies on CIAKI present considerable complexity because of differences in CM type and dose, controversies in definition and baseline comorbidities. Despite that, it should be noted that CIAKI poses a serious health problem because it is a very common cause of hospitalacquired AKI, linked to increased morbidity and mortality and utilizing growing healthcare resources. The pathogenesis of CIAKI is heterogeneous and, thus, is incompletely understood. Three basic mechanisms appear to simultaneously occur for CIAKI development: Renal vasoconstriction and medullary hypoxia, tubular cell toxicity and reactive oxygen species formation. The relative contribution of each one of these mechanisms is unknown but they ultimately lead to epithelial and endothelial cell apoptosis and GFR reduction. Further research is needed in order to better clarify CIAKI pathophysiology and accordingly introduce effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
-
8.
Contrast Nephropathy Associated with Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Intervention.
Novak, JE, Handa, R
Cardiology clinics. 2019;(3):287-296
Abstract
Contrast nephropathy (CN) is acute kidney injury (AKI) that occurs within 24 to 72 hours of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) administration. Mechanisms of CN include hyperviscosity, free radical formation, and renal medullary oxygen supply/demand mismatch. Although risk factors for CN have been identified, it remains uncertain whether ICM causes or is simply associated with AKI. The cornerstones of CN prevention are using low-osmolal ICM, intravenous hydration, and statins, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. With appropriate CN risk mitigation, coronary angiography and intervention should not be routinely withheld from patients with acute coronary syndromes.
-
9.
Role of Hydration in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
Wang, Z, Song, Y, A, G, Li, Y
International heart journal. 2019;(5):1077-1082
Abstract
Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) have an increased risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) when compared with patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, CIN prevention measures are less frequently applied in PPCI than in elective PCI. At present, no preventive strategy has been recommended by the current guidelines for patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.Published research was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from 1966 to July 2018. Internet-based sources of information on the results of clinical trials in cardiology were also searched.A total of three randomized trials involving 924 patients were included in the present meta-analysis, of whom 462 received hydration with isotonic saline (hydration group) and 462 received no hydration (control group). Periprocedural hydration with isotonic saline was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of CIN (16.9% in the hydration group versus 26.4% in the control group; summary risk ratio: 0.64, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.82, P = 0.0005). There was no difference in the rate of postprocedural hemodialysis or death between the groups.Intravenous saline hydration during PPCI reduced the risk of CIN without significantly altering the rate of requirement for renal replacement therapy or mortality.
-
10.
Vitamins for Prevention of Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Trial Sequential Analysis.
Xu, Y, Zheng, X, Liang, B, Gao, J, Gu, Z
American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions. 2018;(5):373-386
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, universally accepted preventive measures for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) do not exist, and they warrant further research. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamins, including vitamin C and E, for prevention of CI-AKI. METHODS We electronically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The outcome of interest was the incidence of CI-AKI. RESULTS A total of 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that vitamin C plus saline [relative risk (RR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.82, p = 0.0005] and vitamin E plus saline (RR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.24-0.62, p < 0.0001) significantly reduced the incidence of CI-AKI compared to saline alone. The effect of vitamin C plus saline was further confirmed by trial sequential analysis (TSA). However, TSA indicated that more trials are required to confirm the efficacy of vitamin E plus saline. There was no significant difference in preventing CI-AKI between vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.47-1.71, p = 0.75), between vitamin C plus NAC and saline (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.30-1.30, p = 0.20), as well as between vitamin C plus NAC and NAC (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.49-1.92, p = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C plus saline administration is effective at reducing the risk of CI-AKI. Evidence for the use of vitamin E plus saline in this context is encouraging, but more trials are required. Furthermore, this meta-analysis and TSA indicated insufficient power to draw a definitive conclusion on the effect of vitamin C plus NAC, versus saline or NAC alone, which needs to be explored further.