ABSTRACT

Background: Contrast media enhances the outline of structures, and clarity of blood vessels along with body structures in Medical imaging. Usually iodine-based contrast media are used in various diagnostic angiographic procedures in children.

Aim: To compare the amount of IV Contrast media utilized in various Diagnostic Angiographic Procedures varies from the standard amount in children ages from 2 months to 14 years by weight and how to reduce this amount.

Method: An observational study was done in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at The Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore from Jun to December 2018 admitted for diagnostic and intervention at angiography department. The total volume of contrast injected to each patient was recorded in a proper way and result was analyzed.

Results: A questionnaire was used for each patient, which was filled out on the basis of history. 85 patients 53(62.35%) males and 32(37.65%) female with mean weight 15.93kg (SD 6.17998) were assessed. Descriptive statistics of contrast dose per weight showed that Mean of contrast dose per kg used was 8.79ml mean (SD 3.31). Correlation between weight and contrast dose per kg showed a significant P-value <0.05 which means that there is significant relationship between contrast dose per kg in milliliter and weight of patients and we can adjust the contrast volume according to the weight of the patients to make accurate diagnosis in children.

Conclusion: The amount of contrast media can be adjusted according to the weight of the patients. In Cath lab up to 8.5ml/kg contrast media can be used in children aged 1-5 year, weigh <10 kg, undergo procedures >60 min, having heart rate >100bpm without any complication to make accurate diagnosis.

Keywords: I/V contract media, angiography, iodine based contrast media