The effect of radiological contrast media on renal function and inflammatory markers in people with diabetes – a clinical study and review

Aim: To assess the association of inflammatory markers and the risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with diabetes undergoing lower limb angiography. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 77 patients undergoing lower limb angiography. We measured renal function and markers of inflammation, in particular neutrophil and lymphocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, before and at 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration of contrast medium. Results: Those with pre-existing renal disease were at increased risk of CIN. We found no relationship between baseline renal function and CRP. There was a reduction in haemoglobin and lymphocyte count that is currently unexplained. Conclusions: While several traditional risk factors for CIN have been identified, further work is needed to determine the significance of changes in other haematological parameters.