Lung CT with contrast & CKD 3A

@colleenyoung @abob
Group II Gadolinium based contrasts are generally okay for kidney disease patients, as long as their eGFR is greater than 30%. Any time you can get a study done without contrast, opt for that! I realize that it depends on what the study is looking for, but we need to think of how any dye or contrast may affect our kidneys, regardless of their current function level.

I will say that in my case, my kidneys are about 13% eGFR even with dialysis. Some might argue, "hey, you're already on dialysis, how much worse could it be, to have contrast?" At this point, any scans could send me into complete kidney failure. So, my medical team and I discuss every procedure.

It's very important that you keep your team appraised of not only this new kidney concerns, but look into how any medications may affect the kidneys!
Ginger

Thanks all.
I looked up my husband’s results based on your comments.
It looks like his recent dx is due to him being on the cusp.
EGFR is 59
ALBUMIN/CREATININE RATIO, RANDOM URINE is 87

So if he drinks lots of water before and afterward, he should be ok.
We will discuss future contrast with oncology at CT review appt.

@gingerw thanks yet again. I also read that some allergy OTC meds are harder on kidneys than others…is it true that Claritin is easier as it clears through the liver ? NSAIDS are problematic, so Tylenol is preferred. Juggling multiple health issues requires a lot of care !!

Thanks, and speaking of powerhouses of knowledge, you are so helpful and provide specific info that is very useful. PS do topicals affect kidneys ? I think my Topracin is okay, arnica….which pain patches are safest ?…(Seeking more ‘’warrior power’’) !

@nycmusic In my experience, Topracin and arnica montana are good topically. I have also used arnica montana in the sublingual form [little tablets under the tongue]. Lidocaine patches are okay to use, but they curl up on my skin; it gets uncomfortable.

While Diclofenac [Voltaren] is an NSAID, and should not be used for any extended time, I have used it once in a while on my right knee. And I repeat, once in a while. My reasoning for me, in my case, is that I am on dialysis for life, and even with that, my eGFR is about 12%. For me, I need to weigh my comfort with what effect that topical might have on my system. Will it absorb and transfer into my renal system, possibly causing acute kidney injury? And that is how we need to look at any medications we take internally or topically.

Label read, take our own situation into account. We have the right to say "yes" or "no" to any procedure or medication, no matter what. Can you tell I am a big advocate of this!?
Ginger

For what it's worth, after I was diagnosed with lung cancer as well as fairly severe kidney failure, I was sent to a nephrologist. When the nephrologist heard that I had been given IV contrast for a CT scan he called the oncologist and chewed him out then told me that IV contrast would cause permanent kidney damage. Oral contrast, however, was fine and would cause no damage.

@lycisca are all oral contrasts okay for kidneys ?

@nycmusic Here is an article from the National Kidney Foundation regarding contrast dyes and kidney disease:
https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/contrast-dye-and-kidneys
That said, it is generally thought that barium contrast dye used in digestive track procedure is okay, but caution is still advised for any other oral contrast. And remember, while one person may not have a reaction, the next person might!
Ginger