I have CKD with a GFR of 57 and creatinine of 1.40. I am scheduled to have a CTA with contrast dye. I will be hydrated before and after. Is this still a risk?
I know the dye can be toxic to the kidney.
There is some risk, but it is slight. Is it absolutely necessary to have the contrast? What is the ct for? Personally, with my transplanted kidney I don't take the risk. But it depends on what you need the ct for.
Cora, the cta scan is to decide if I need coronary artery surgery. A ultrasound showed a 80 percent blockage. The dye makes it much easier for the surgeon to see where the blockage is. I thinks I scare myself reading to many sites about side effects of contrast dye. Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I should add that my primary care Doctor said I would be fine especially with the hydration.
There is some risk, but it is slight. Is it absolutely necessary to have the contrast? What is the ct for? Personally, with my transplanted kidney I don't take the risk. But it depends on what you need the ct for.
Cora, It is for a blocked artery in my neck. It is for surgery to remove any blockage found by the cta. My concern is the sharp rise in GFR from 57 to 66 in 2 months. Now the hospital will not do the 2 hour hydration.
I would put in a request for the hydration. Do you see a nephrologist and can you get him/her to ask for it? You can cite the fluctuating eGFR as a reason. As for the rise, this can happen for many reasons including a decrease in exercise and an increase in hydration. GFR is calculated based on your creatinine and estimated size. So it's not always that accurate.
If you can't get the iv, spend the couple of days previous to the procedure working on stuffing yourself with non-caffeinated fluids. Hope this helps a bit. Don't worry too much about the dye. If you are not too susceptible, it won't affect you anyway, and if you are, your function is still most likely good enough to keep you safe. Sorry I can't be more specific than that, but these things are always a risk.
EGFRs do fluctuate, and the 66 is an improved level over the 57. Since the CTA is needed for a potentially life threatening problem, in my mind, that takes priority. I think your kidneys will be fine, as your Dr said, and just hydrating yourself with liquids before the test should take care of it. Your kidney function isn't bad enough to fear a crisis brought on by contrast dye.
