Determination of creatinine level before administration of intravenous iodinated contrast media at two selected hospitals in Ghana

Authors

  • William Kwadwo Antwi University of Ghana
  • Bernard Botwe University of Ghana
  • Kofi Adesi Kyei University of Ghana
  • Lawrence Arthur University of Ghana
  • Hannah Mantebea University of Ghana
  • Bamfo K Quaicoe University of Ghana
  • Eric Kwasi Ofori University of Ghana

Keywords:

Creatinine clearance, diagnostic imaging, safety profiles

Abstract

Background: In spite of the development and availability of newer contrast media with reduced and enhanced safety profiles, certain patients remain at risk for serious adverse reactions. Creatinine clearance is widely used to assess at-risk patients. This is an acceptable practice for estimating the glomerular filtration rate.

Aim: The aim of the study was to find out whether creatinine clearance is determined before administration of intravenous iodinated contrast medium (IICM) in some selected contrast-usage hospitals in Ghana.

Method: The research was a descriptive survey. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. Fifty-nine (59) questionnaires were sent to radiographers, radiologists and physicians from the respective imaging and urology departments of the selected hospitals. Fifty (n=50) completed questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics was used to generate the results.

Results: The study achieved a response rate of 85%. Most of the respondents (n=41; 82%); did not enquire or determine creatinine clearance of their patients before referring or performing procedures that involved the use of IICM. Reasons given for not doing so were as follows: cost involved (n=16; 32%), delay in booking (n=15; 30%), and booking disruptions (n=4; 8%). The test was considered to be cumbersome by eight (16%) of the respondents , whereas ten (20%) indicated they did not determine it because they relied on other staff (radiographers/radiologists relied on referring physicians and vice versa).

Conclusion: Determination of creatinine clearance before IICM examinations by referring clinicians appeared lacking in the selected hospitals in Accra. The imaging departments also do not check their patients’ creatinine clearance or levels before performing procedures. It is appropriate that the creatinine status is checked to avoid serious adverse reactions to at-risk patients. However, there are challenges in checking patients’ creatinine status, such as delays in booking patients, booking disruptions, high cost, the cumbersome nature of the test and communication gap.

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Published

2015-11-23

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Original Articles

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