The effect of withdrawal of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers prior to coronary angiography on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy

Background The effect of continuing or discontinuing chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy prior to coronary angiography on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is not clear. We undertook a randomized trial to evaluate the effect of withdrawing ACEIs or ARBs 24 h prior to coronary angiography on the incidence of CIN associated with coronary angiography. Methods A total of 220 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-4 (glomerular filtration rate 15-60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) on ACEI or ARB therapy were randomized before angiography to either ACEI/ARB continuation group or discontinuation group. A third group of patients with CKD stages 3-4 but not on angiotensin blockade therapy were also followed. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of CIN defined by a rise in serum creatinine by 25% or 0.5 mg/dl (44 mu mol/l) from baseline. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CIN between the three groups (P = 0.66). The incidences were 6.2%, 3.7%, and 6.3% for the continuation, discontinuation, and angiotensin blockade naive group, respectively. There was also no significant difference found between the groups in mean serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate values at baseline and post contrast administration. Conclusion Withholding ACEIs and ARBs 24 h before coronary angiography does not appear to influence the incidence of CIN in stable patients with CKD stages 3-4.