HCO3 bolus effective in reducing contrast nephropathy before emergent catheterization

In this small trial of patients undergoing emergent cardiac catheterization with renal insufficiency (CrCl<60 or Cr>1.1), they were randomized to normal saline or HCO3 bolus; the incidence of CIN was significantly lower in the HCO3 group (3% vs 28%); this can be an effective and efficient way to reduce the incidence of CIN before emergent dye loads (abstract)