A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Pentoxifylline on Contrast Induced Nephropathy Reduction after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in High Risk Candidates

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) (known as contrast-induced acute kidney injury) occurs as a result of acute worsening of renal function following a procedure with administration of iodine contrasts agent and remains a substantial concern in clinical practices. The purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Pentoxifylline supplementation on reduction of CIN occurrence after percutaneous coronary intervention among patients who were high risk of CIN according to Mehran score. In randomized, double-blind clinical trial patients who undergo coronary angiography with Mehran Score ≥ 11 consisted of our population. Patients in a ratio 1:1, divided into two groups received saline 0.9% plus N-acetyl cysteine and Pentoxifylline 400 mg three times per day 24 h before angiography until 48 h after angiography. In control group, the patients received placebo instead of PTX in a same manner as the control group. The endpoint was the incidence of CIN defined as creatinine increase of 0.5 mg/dL within 2 days after contrast. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. CIN occurred in 3 (5.5%) and 4 (7.3%) patients of the both groups (Pentoxifylline and control), respectively (p = 0.69; incidence odds ratio 1.36; 95% CI 0.29-6.38). No significant differences were seen in secondary outcome measures and changes in the level of creatinine (p = 0.54). In high-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography pentoxifylline supplementation had protection effect against contrast-induced nephropathy greater than placebo based hydration, but, not supported by our data.