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  • Title: Patient choice and nonionic contrast media.
    Author: Hopper KD, Matthews YL.
    Journal: Invest Radiol; 1993 Apr; 28(4):303-7. PubMed ID: 8478170.
    Abstract:
    RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Because of the greatly increased cost of nonionic, low-osmolar contrast material, some practitioners reserve its use for patients at high risk for an adverse contrast reaction. The authors attempt to evaluate the proportion of low-risk outpatients--when offered a choice between the more expensive but lower-risk nonionic and the cheaper but higher-risk conventional ionic contrast material--that would choose the nonionic media. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty consecutive outpatients awaiting contrast-enhanced computed tomography were included in this study. Patients at increased risk for a contrast reaction were excluded. The remaining 162 patients were informed of the risks and told of the availability of nonionic contrast media with its up to six-fold decrease in serious complications. They were also informed that if they chose the lower-risk nonionic agent, they would likely have to pay the additional $100 to $150 in cost. RESULTS: Of the 162 low-risk patients surveyed, 48% selected nonionic contrast media, and 63% believed that all patients should be informed of the risks of contrast material and of the availability of nonionic contrast. CONCLUSIONS: The data support providing patients at low risk for an adverse reaction informed consent about the relative risks of ionic and nonionic contrast material.
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