Concomitant phenomena of nonionic x-ray contrast media with particular regard to high-risk patients

In a large prospective study, 5,000 contrast radiographs were obtained with only nonionic x-ray contrast media (Iopromid 300 or 370 and Iopamidol 300 or 370). High-risk patients with H1- and H2-receptor antagonists (0.1 mg/kg of body weight of dimethindene maleate and 5 mg/kg of body weight of cimetidine). The degrees of severity of the concomitant phenomena were classified as light (requiring no therapy), medium (treatment in the department sufficient), and severe (requiring continued stationary treatment or intensive care). The rate of concomitant phenomena in patients without premedication was 1.10%; 0.59% had light, 0.45% medium to severe, and 0.08% severe concomitant reactions. In the high-risk patients, the total rate of side effects was calculated to be 2.22%. Light and medium to severe concomitant phenomena were evident in 1.42% and 0.95% of these patients, respsectively. None of the premedicated high-risk patients suffered from severe concomitant phenomena. The absence of severe concomitant phenomena in high-risk patients after premedication with H1- and H2-receptor anatagonists proves the effectiveness and necessity of such an application