|
|
|
The N.D.s Corner:>
Ways to Lower Kidney Risks
July 25, 2008
Dr. Teresa Latendress ND ,HHP
Statesville North Carolina
WAYS TO LOWER RELATED KIDNEY RISKS
If you're scheduled to have an imaging test, don't just
take for granted that the process is safe and without
dangers. Dr. Kelly recommends asking your doctor about your
personal health profile, including any possible risks and
the best ways to lower them, in advance. Together you can
decide which protective strategies make the most sense for
you. Options include...
Have your kidney function tested. Many who have abnormal
kidney function are unaware they have it, since it often
causes no symptoms. Before undergoing an imaging test using
a contrast agent, make sure that your kidney function is
normal. Simple blood tests to assess kidney function
include those that measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR,
or how well the kidneys are removing wastes and excess
fluids from the blood) and serum creatinine (a waste
product) levels.
Consider taking N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). If tests find that
your kidney function is diminished, or if you are at risk
due to medical problems such as chronic kidney disease,
diabetes or congestive heart failure, ask your doctor about
taking NAC before testing. Note: Although NAC has few side
effects and is widely available in health food stores, Dr.
Kelly emphasizes that for this purpose, it should only be
taken in prescription form under the supervision of your
health care provider. Over-the-counter supplements are not
recommended for pre-scan protection.
Ask your physician about using a gentler contrast agent.
Even though there may be some minimal compromise to the
image quality, in people at risk for kidney damage it may
make sense to use a milder agent. Dr. Kelly explains that
certain contrast agents are less dense, so while they might
not provide equally clear images, they are less likely to
impair blood flow to the kidneys.
Drink up. Confirm with your health care provider that you
will be properly hydrated throughout the procedure, and
even afterward, which is very important in preventing
kidney impairment, notes Dr. Kelly. Continue to drink lots
of fluids to help flush the agent from your body. (Caution:
People with chronic kidney failure may be on a restricted
fluid diet and must carefully consult with their physicians
before making any changes in fluid intake.)
Before any testing, it is important to inform your doctor
of all medications you take.
If you suffer from any allergies -- especially if you are
allergic to iodine in shellfish since many contrast agents
are iodine-based -- inform your physician. He/she may use a
steroid preparation beforehand, order a different contrast
agent or even explore alternate testing methods.
Imaging provides important information and usually the
benefits outweigh the risks -- though the more such tests
you have, the greater likelihood they'll have some
physiological effects. If you are facing testing that
involves use of a contrast agent, make sure that you and
your doctor have discussed the risks versus the benefits
and decided it's necessary and worthwhile.
Source(s):
Aine Kelly, MD, MS, assistant professor, department of
radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor,
Michigan.
Powered by TafitiBuilder.com
|
|
