Efficacy and safety of a balanced salt solution versus a 0.9% saline infusion for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (BASIC trial): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is one of the most common causes of iatrogenic kidney injury and, therefore, its prevention is an important issue. However, whether the administration of 0.9% saline is the optimal prophylaxis method remains uncertain due to its supra-physiologic chloride component. In particular, recent studies suggest that chloride-restricted solutions showed superiority over 0.9% saline in several clinical settings. METHODS/DESIGN The investigators designed a multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of a balanced salt solution and 0.9% saline in CI-AKI prophylaxis. This study will recruit patients who are scheduled for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans with CI-AKI prophylaxis. In this study, participants will be randomized into two study arms; the study group will receive a balanced salt solution, and the control group will receive 0.9% saline. Fluids will be administered as designated in the protocol before and after the CT scan, and an evaluation of baseline clinical status will be performed by obtaining blood and urine samples. During the follow-up visits, the incidence of CI-AKI and long-term outcomes, including the start of renal replacement therapy or all-cause mortality, will be assessed. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this study will be the first study assessing the preventive value of a balanced salt solution over 0.9% saline for CI-AKI. If the trial shows that the balanced salt solution is as effective for CI-AKI prophylaxis as 0.9% saline, the use of the balanced salt solution could be promoted due to the reduced possibility of consequent metabolic acidosis compared to 0.9% saline. TRIALS REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02799368 . Registered on 14 June 2016.