Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study of the incidence, risk factors, clinical course and long‐term outcome

Summary Background : Transarterial chemoembolization is effective for hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute renal failure may occur after transarterial chemoembolization because of radiocontrast agent, but its clinical aspects are unknown. Aim : To investigate the incidence, risk factors and outcome of acute renal failure, defined as increase of serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL, after transarterial chemoembolization. Methods : A total of 235 hepatocellular carcinoma patients with 843 transarterial chemoembolization treatment sessions were analysed. Results : Acute renal failure developed in 56 (23.8%) patients and the estimated risk of developing acute renal failure was 6.6% in each treatment session. Comparison between the episodes of transarterial chemoembolization with and without acute renal failure by using the generalized estimating equation disclosed that Child–Pugh class B (odds ratio: 2.6, P = 0.007) and treatment session (odds ratio: 1.3; P