Nephrotoxicity of Iodinated Contrast Drugs: A Comparative Analysis of Old Versus New, Ionic Versus Non Ionic Agents, Dose Effects, and the Impact of Relative Dehydration in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease that impairs the functionality of the brain due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. There is approximately 1 stroke every 40 seconds, amounting to it being a leading cause of serious long-term disability [1]. It accounts for about 140,000 deaths annually with an incidence rate of 795,000 each year, necessitating need for prompt and accurate diagnosis and intervention. Stroke can either be hemorrhagic or ischemic in nature. Hemorrhagic stroke is when there is rupturing of blood vessels in the blood vessels in the brain and its majorly treated by reducing blood pressure in the brain or use of ‘pro-hemostasis’ medications. Ischemic stroke is when there is occlusion of the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain leading to shortage (hypoxemia) or no supply
of blood supply (hypoxia) in the brain. It is majorly treated with thrombolytic medications that break down clots and must be administered early to prevent risk of dangerous bleeding or use of mechanical thrombectomy.