From foodconsumer.org
Taking N-Acetylcysteine benefits patients undergoing CT scan
By Sue Mueller
Feb 25, 2008 - 9:28:07 PM
MONDAY FEB 25, 2008 (Foodconsumer.org) -- Taking N-Acetylcysteine prior to a CT scan or angiogram may help patients prevent the kidneys from being damaged by the iodine-containing contrast agents, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
For the study, Aine Kelly, M.D., M.S. at the University of Michigan Health System and colleagues meta-analyzed data from 41 randomized controlled studies and found taking this inexpensive drug protected patients against contrast-induced nephropathy or kidney damage caused by contrast agents.
The results showed, however, other drugs including Theophylline did not provide any benefit while furosemide actually raised the risk for kidney damages.
Contrast agents are commonly used to enhance the CT scan or angiogram imaging effects, but are harmful to the kidneys. According to the authors, one in every four high risk patients undergoing a CT scan experienced mild to moderate damage to the kidneys. In certain cases, it caused acute kidney failure.
Patients who have diabetes or hear failure are already vulnerable and are at high risk from contrast agents. For these people, taking N-acetylcysteine may be more than necessary, the study suggested.
N-acetylcysteine has been already widely used to clear mucus in cystic fibrosis patients, and to treat overdoses of acetaminophen. Tablets of prescription version of N-acetylcysteine are sold at a price of 25 cents for 400 mg and readily available from most pharmacies.