Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Prevention in Acute Heart Failure

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 20 years or older
• Emergency department visit/hospitalization for acute heart failure with clinical evidence of congestion
• Planned contrast-enhanced computed tomography during the index hospitalization
• Baseline renal dysfunction defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30-75 mL/min/1.73 m²

Exclusion criteria

• Requirement for vasopressor therapy
• Requirement for renal replacement therapy (dialysis)
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to furosemide
• Ongoing acute coronary syndrome
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women of childbearing potential without a negative pregnancy test
• Hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.5 mmol/L)
• Uncorrected volume depletion or hyponatremia (serum sodium <130 mmol/L)
• Any condition deemed by the investigator to make participation in the study inappropriate