Trial of Ionic and Non-Ionic Contrast Agents

The study was presented by Dr. V. Legrand of Liege, Belgium, at the 7th joint meeting of the Belgian and Dutch working groups on invasive cardiology.

The study involved 1,968 patients undergoing angioplasty in a single native coronary artery, randomized to receive a non-ionic contrast medium or an ionic, low-osmolality contrast agent called Hexabrix (from UK company Guerbet). Both groups were relatively well matched in terms of risk factors and clinical presentation.

In the subgroup of patients receiving a stent, the use of a non-ionic contrast medium was shown by analysis to be an independent predictor of inhospital events. The one-year outcome confirmed a 25% increased risk of complications compared to Hexabrix, particularly in stent patients.