Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Prevention in Acute Heart Failure

Overview

The K-PROSE study is a randomized clinical investigation evaluating strategies to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure and moderate renal dysfunction (eGFR 30-75 mL/min/1.73 m²). Patients requiring contrast-enhanced CT imaging are randomized to either standard intravenous saline hydration or a furosemide-based decongestion strategy. Renal function is assessed using serial measurements of creatinine and cystatin C, before and after contrast exposure. By comparing renal outcomes, congestion status, and safety profiles, this study aims to determine whether a decongestion-focused approach provides superior renal protection compared with conventional hydration in high-risk acute heart failure patients.

Patients hospitalized with acute heart failure frequently require contrast-enhanced computed tomography or coronary imaging to identify precipitating etiologies and guide management. However, many of these patients have concomitant renal dysfunction, and exposure to iodinated contrast media places them at high risk for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Conventional prevention strategies rely on periprocedural intravenous isotonic saline hydration, which may be inappropriate or harmful in the setting of acute heart failure due to the risk of worsening congestion and pulmonary edema. Consequently, optimal renal protection strategies for this vulnerable population remain uncertain. The Kidney Protection Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure (K-PROSE) study is a prospective, randomized clinical study designed to compare two renal protection strategies in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure and moderate renal dysfunction who are scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Eligible patients are randomly assigned to receive either standard intravenous isotonic saline hydration or a furosemide-based decongestion strategy prior to and following contrast exposure. The study is designed to reflect real-world clinical practice while systematically evaluating renal and congestion-related outcomes. Renal function is assessed using serial measurements of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, along with emerging biomarkers of kidney injury, including cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). These biomarkers are incorporated to enable early and sensitive detection of renal injury beyond conventional creatinine-based definitions. Urine chemistry parameters, including fractional excretion of sodium, are also collected to characterize renal physiology and treatment response. In parallel, markers of volume status and heart failure severity-including daily body weight, urine output, physical examination findings, chest radiography, and natriuretic peptide levels-are prospectively recorded to evaluate the effects of each strategy on congestion and hemodynamic stability. Safety assessments include monitoring for electrolyte abnormalities, hypotension, worsening heart failure, and other adverse events throughout the study period. By directly comparing a conventional hydration-based approach with a decongestion-focused strategy in a high-risk acute heart failure population, the K-PROSE study aims to clarify whether renal protection can be achieved without exacerbating congestion. The findings are expected to provide clinically relevant evidence to guide contrast-related decision-making and renal protection strategies in patients with acute heart failure and impaired kidney function.