Evaluation of hemodynamic parameters in adult patients following administration of non-ionic intravenous contrast agents in computed tomography examinations in a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Background Beside factors such as measurement technique, equipment accuracy, patient anxiety, race, ethnicity, ecological factors, diet (high sodium and calorie intake, and low potassium), physical inactivity, health conditions, and genetic vulnerability also influence blood pressure. Iodinated contrast agents (ICAs) or media (ICMs) are widely applied to improve the visibility of internal organs and other tissues in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. ICAs have transient vasodilatory properties which can influence hemodynamic parameters immediately after administration during CT scans. Discrepancies on the effects of ICAs following their administration on hemodynamic parameters in adult patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) examinations have been reported in the literature. Anecdotal evidence further suggests that limited studies of the subject in Ghana. Knowledge of the relationship between hemodynamic parameters and contrast media is needed for prompt treatment, as well as the development of protocols to govern the administration of ICAs. Aim This study therefore evaluated HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels in adult patients following administration of non-ionic ICA during CECT examinations. Methodology Since data of the study variables were collected prospectively (before and after CT examinations) to determine SBP and DBP and HR levels following administration of non-ionic ICA during CT examinations, a prospective case-control study design was used, while a non-probability convenience sampling was employed to sample a population of 128 patients consisting of equal numbers of cases (experimental) and controls groups. Measurements of HR, SPB and DBP were made before and after the scans in both groups. Data analyses were done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to compare the data variables obtained between the cases and control group. A p -value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The measured mean values of HR, SBP and DBP were higher after contrast administration (HR=84.75±14.00 bpm; SBP =128.39±17.98 mmHg; DBP= 80.00 ± 13.26 mmHg) than before (HR=82.56±15.08 bpm; SBP=120.81±14.32 mmHg; DBP=78.94±11.90 mmHg). There were insignificant differences between HR and SBP ( p =0.716) and DBP ( p = 0.533) prior to contrast media. The HR increase was statistically significant after contrast media ( p= 0.008). The mean differences in the HR, SBP, and DBP between genders were statistically insignificant after contrast administration. Conclusions Administration of non-ionic ICA increases HR but had no effects on SBP and DBP in both male and female adult patients who underwent diverse CECT examinations. The correlation statistics established no significant relationship between doses of contrast media and increases in the HR. No statistically significant differences between patient gender, BMI, and age on the hemodynamic parameters were found.