Abstract

Background: Metformin is a common drug used for antihyperglycemic therapy in type 2 diabetes. Additionally, intravenous (IV) contrast may be administered when using the various imaging techniques to enhance the visualization of body structures, and deterioration of renal function and lactic acidosis - contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) - may occasionally happen. The purpose of this research was to assess the current guideline of withholding metformin therapy in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced procedures in both the emergency and inpatient settings.
Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted for all patients who were on metformin and underwent a contrast-enhanced imaging procedure (requiring IV contrast) between January and June 2016 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Results: This study involved 107 patients on metformin who received a contrast-enhanced imaging procedure. Out of 107 patients, 26 were admitted through the ER. Independent t-tests were performed to compare GFR and creatinine, before and after the procedure in both, ER and ward patients; they all had non-significant associations.
Conclusion:
In this study none of the ER patients stopped their metformin before they were administered IV contrast.

Key words: Metformin, Creatinine, GFR, Contrast, Emergency