Creatinine serum is one of the main biomarkers to detect batteries

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 82 views

Changes in Creatinine Serum Values Before and After Contrast Injection in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function Undergoing CT-Scan Examination at the Adam Malik Hajj Center General Hospital

Introduction

In the world of medicine, imaging examination is one of the clinical procedures that is often performed. The aim is to identify the anatomical structure of certain organs or systems, and evaluate physiological changes through various special methods. One method that is widely used is CT-Scan (Computed Tomography), which is a diagnostic test that combines X-ray capabilities and computer technology to produce images that can describe conditions in the body. The use of contrast in CT-Scan examination is a crucial aspect of this procedure, as it functions as a chemical "coloring" that marks important areas to be evaluated anatomically and physiologically.

The Importance of Contrast in CT-Scan Examination

The use of contrast agents, which is generally based on iodine, must be done with certain indications because it can cause some side effects. One of the most common risks associated with the use of contrast is an acute kidney injury (battery) or acute kidney failure. Creatinine serum is one of the main biomarkers to detect batteries, where an increase in creatinine serum value is more than 1.5 to 1.9 times the normal threshold (or an increase of 0.3 mg/dl or ≥26.5 μmol/l) can be diagnosed as a battery according to KDigo guidelines (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes).

The Impact of Contrast on Creatinine Levels in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function

In this article, we will discuss the study of the impact of contrast substances on changes in creatinine levels as biomarkers, especially in patients with decreased kidney function. Increased serum creatinine levels can be utilized effectively as an indicator to anticipate the occurrence of acute kidney injuries (MMR) due to contrast agents, especially in patients who have decreased kidney function. This is because the kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products, including creatinine, from the blood. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the levels of creatinine in the blood can increase, indicating potential kidney damage.

CT-Scan Examination and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

CT-Scan examination is a very useful diagnostic tool, especially in detecting abnormalities in internal organs. However, it is essential to understand that the use of contrast in this procedure must be carefully considered, especially in patients who already have kidney function problems. Increased creatinine serum can be an initial signal that the patient's kidneys cannot handle additional loads from the contrast, which can lead to more serious conditions such as batteries.

The Relevance of This Study

This study is very relevant because more and more patients undergo CT-Scan with contrast, especially in large hospitals such as the Adam Malik Hajj Center General Hospital. In this context, knowing how the creatinine serum value changes before and after the contrast injection can provide valuable insights for doctors in making clinical decisions. Medical professionals are expected to be able to use this information to conduct more stringent monitoring of patients with high risk. For example, if there is an increase in serum creatinine levels after CT-scan, doctors can do the right intervention, such as maintaining patient hydration or considering other alternatives that are safer for diagnosis.

Conclusion

Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between the use of contrast and changes in serum creatinine levels is not only important to improve clinical outcomes, but also to reduce the risk of side effects that can endanger the patient's health. In this modern era, the evidence-based approach becomes increasingly important in medical practice, and this kind of study is a step forward towards improving the quality of health services.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that:

Medical professionals should be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of contrast in CT-Scan examination, especially in patients with decreased kidney function.
Patients with decreased kidney function should be carefully monitored before and after CT-Scan examination with contrast.
Alternative diagnostic methods should be considered for patients with high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Further studies should be conducted to investigate the relationship between the use of contrast and changes in serum creatinine levels in patients with decreased kidney function.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study only included patients with decreased kidney function, which may not be representative of the general population.
The study did not control for other factors that may affect creatinine levels, such as age, sex, and underlying medical conditions.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the relationship between the use of contrast and changes in serum creatinine levels in a larger and more diverse population.
Explore the use of alternative diagnostic methods that do not involve the use of contrast.
Develop guidelines for the safe use of contrast in CT-Scan examination, especially in patients with decreased kidney function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring creatinine levels in patients with decreased kidney function undergoing CT-Scan examination with contrast. The findings of this study suggest that increased serum creatinine levels can be an indicator of potential kidney damage due to contrast agents, and that medical professionals should be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of contrast in this procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Changes in Creatinine Serum Values Before and After Contrast Injection in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function Undergoing CT-Scan Examination

Q: What is creatinine, and why is it important in patients with decreased kidney function?

A: Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and is filtered out by the kidneys. In patients with decreased kidney function, the levels of creatinine in the blood can increase, indicating potential kidney damage.

Q: What is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), and how is it related to creatinine levels?

A: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a type of kidney damage that can occur after the use of contrast agents in medical imaging procedures, such as CT-Scan. Increased serum creatinine levels can be an indicator of CIN, especially in patients with decreased kidney function.

Q: What are the risks associated with the use of contrast in CT-Scan examination, especially in patients with decreased kidney function?

A: The use of contrast in CT-Scan examination can cause some side effects, including acute kidney injury (battery) or acute kidney failure. Patients with decreased kidney function are at higher risk of developing CIN due to the use of contrast.

Q: How can medical professionals monitor patients with high risk of CIN?

A: Medical professionals can monitor patients with high risk of CIN by:

Checking serum creatinine levels before and after CT-Scan examination with contrast
Maintaining patient hydration
Considering alternative diagnostic methods that do not involve the use of contrast
Conducting regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function

Q: What are the alternative diagnostic methods that can be used instead of CT-Scan with contrast?

A: Alternative diagnostic methods that can be used instead of CT-Scan with contrast include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Ultrasound
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Other imaging modalities that do not involve the use of contrast

Q: How can patients with decreased kidney function reduce their risk of CIN?

A: Patients with decreased kidney function can reduce their risk of CIN by:

Informing their healthcare provider about their kidney function before undergoing CT-Scan examination with contrast
Maintaining good hydration before and after the procedure
Avoiding other medications that can affect kidney function
Following up with their healthcare provider after the procedure to monitor kidney function

Q: What are the long-term consequences of CIN in patients with decreased kidney function?

A: The long-term consequences of CIN in patients with decreased kidney function can include:

Chronic kidney disease
End-stage renal disease
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Other complications related to kidney damage

Q: How can healthcare providers improve the quality of care for patients with decreased kidney function undergoing CT-Scan examination with contrast?

A: Healthcare providers can improve the quality of care for patients with decreased kidney function undergoing CT-Scan examination with contrast by:

Providing education and counseling to patients about the risks and benefits of the procedure
Conducting thorough medical history and physical examination before the procedure
Monitoring serum creatinine levels before and after the procedure
Considering alternative diagnostic methods that do not involve the use of contrast
Providing regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and address any complications that may arise.

Q: What are the future directions for research on CIN in patients with decreased kidney function?

A: Future directions for research on CIN in patients with decreased kidney function include:

Investigating the relationship between the use of contrast and changes in serum creatinine levels in a larger and more diverse population
Exploring the use of alternative diagnostic methods that do not involve the use of contrast
Developing guidelines for the safe use of contrast in CT-Scan examination, especially in patients with decreased kidney function
Investigating the long-term consequences of CIN in patients with decreased kidney function.