Sex differences and the role of anemia in contrast-associated acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Abstract

Many, though not all, studies suggest that contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rates are higher in women. The authors sought to clarify the presence of and factors contributing to possible sex differences. Among 2971 consecutive patients undergoing PCI, women experienced higher crude rates of CA-AKI. However, this association was significantly attenuated after adjusting for demographic and comorbid conditions, particularly pre-procedural anemia, which accounted for a substantial proportion of the excess risk. The study offers clarification regarding the higher post-PCI risks among women and underscores the role of anemia as a prevalent contributor to CA-AKI.