Propensity Score Matching as a Substitute for Randomized Controlled Trials on Acute Kidney Injury After Contrast Media Administration: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Controversy exists regarding the causal relationship between contrast media administration and the development of acute kidney injury because prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirming this relationship are lacking. In this systematic review we address studies using propensity score matching with regard to contrast-induced acute kidney injury and possible implications for future practice guideline development.

CONCLUSION: Propensity score matching can overcome the main limitations of conventional observational studies and could serve as an alternative in the absence of RCTs.