Evaluation of Nephropathy in Coronary Catheterization

Cath lab managers are involved in quality assurance and outcomes evaluation. One area of focus is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). CIN is important because it is the third leading cause of hospital-associated renal insufficiency, and even when it is clinically reversible it is associated with increased hospitalization, cost, and mortality. Assessment of nonmodifiable risk factors, treatment of modifiable risk factors, and evaluation of laboratory biomarkers is essential as predictors of CIN and to long-term survival.