Study protocol
CKD, dyspnea, nephrotoxic, CRF, CM
CRF
We randomly assigned all patients to either the Atorvastatin Reloading group (AR group) or the Non-Reloading group (NR group) according to a computer-generated random series of numbers. The randomization occurs one day before the coronary procedure. Patients in the AR group received oral atorvastatin 80 mg daily one day before and then 3 days after contrast media administration, followed by their habitual dose; patients assigned to the NR group received their habitual dose (atorvastatin 40 mg, 20 mg, 10 mg) without an additional reloading dose.In accordance with the ESC guidelines, we suspended the nephrotoxic drugs one day before the procedure (aldosterone antagonists, inflammatory inhibitors) in all patients. The renin-angiotensin inhibitors and metformin were withheld if patients showed a moderate CKD (defined by an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) [All patients were treated with intravenous hydration with isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride) for 12 hours before and 12 hours after the procedure at the rate of 1 ml/Kg/H (0.5 ml/kg/H if LVEF <40% or if the patient suffered from dyspnea) and received the same nonionic dimeric iso-osmolar Contrast Media (CM) (Iopromide. ULTRAVIST 300 (300 mg d’Iode/mL). The nurses performed drug delivery and hydration. This designed study was single-blind. The physician who performed the coronary procedure was blinded to the patient’s group, but the patient was aware of his group.The nurses (3 females) collected demographics, clinical, and biological data for all patients: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular risk factors, co-morbidities, clinical presentation, the kind of procedure (coronary angiography or PCI), left ventricle systolic function, and current medication. No relationship was established prior to the study commencement. The interview was not repetad. The details of the procedure were also documented. All the data were collected in a CRF that was not returned to the participant. The participants didn’t provide feedback on the findings. Data saturation was not discussed.