Effect of curcuminoids on contrast-induced acute kidney injury after elective coronary angiography or intervention: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Introduction: The role of curcuminoids, a striking antioxidant, in prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcuminoids in preventing CI-AKI in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We randomized 114 patients who were undergoing elective CAG and/or PCI to receive curcuminoids, 4 grams/day (1 day before, and 1 day after the procedure, n=56) or placebo (n=58). Serum creatinine was assessed at baseline, 12, 24 and 48 hours after contrast exposure. The primary endpoint was development of CI-AKI defined as serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours after contrast exposure. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of kidney injury defined by >30% increase in urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Seven (12.7%) in curcuminoids group and eight (14.0%) in placebo group developed CI-AKI (p=0.84). The incidence of increased urine NGAL was comparable in the placebo and curcuminoids groups (39.6% vs. 50%, respectively; p=0.34). None in both groups had drug-related adverse events. Conclusion: This is a pilot study to demonstrate the safety and tolerability of curcuminoids in patients undergoing elective CAG and/or PCI. Curcuminoids have no protective effects against kidney injury after elective CAG and/or PCI.