Febuxostat has protective effect against contrast induced AKI

A new study published in BMC Nephrology suggests that febuxostat has renal protective effects and may help reduce the incidence of Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury can be a complication of intravascular contrast injection. Unfortunately, this is associated with adverse outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. Therefore, Iman Ibrahim Sarhan and team conducted this study to determine the efficacy of febuxostat in preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with stage 3 CKD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. 

A randomized controlled trial included 120 patients with CKD stage 3 acute coronary syndrome referred to the cardiology department of Ain-Shams University Hospital for PCI and stenting. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (study group): included 60 patients who received febuxostat in addition to standard treatment (iv hydration and N-acetylcysteine). Patients received Feburic 80 mg 6 to 18 hours before and 6 to 18 hours after the coronary procedure (24-hour interval between two doses). Group II (control group): included 60 patients who received only conventional treatment.