Gadolinium Contrasting Agent Linked to Rare Degenerative Disease
Recent research demonstrates a possible association between a popular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and the incidence of a rare disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney disease, according to a Science Daily report. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis triggers thickening of the skin, organs and other tissues. There's no effective treatment for this serious, debilitating disease.
NSF is a serious condition. Patients who are afflicted with NSF experience an increase of collagen in the tissues, which causes thickening and hardening of the skin of the extremities. This could result in an inability to move. It could also cause a tightening or deformity of the joints. NSF can develop pretty quickly and could result in the patient becoming wheelchair-bound in just a few weeks. In some cases, other tissues including those of the lungs, heart, diaphragm, esophagus and skeletal muscle could be affected. Since there is no effective therapy or treatment for this disease, chances for recovery are indeed challenging.
Radiologists are therefore advising that gadolinium not be used in MRIs involving patients with kidney disease. Research is increasingly showing that a vast majority of NSF cases are associated with the use of the contrasting agent. However, gadolinium does not seem to cause NSF in patients who have normal kidney function. About 400 cases of NSF have been reported worldwide. Although research has not definitively given a direct link between the use of gadolinium and NSF, a recent survey among 100 NSF patients showed that 95 percent of them were exposed to a gadolinium agent within two to three months before the onset of the disease.
If you have suffered any adverse effects of a gadolinium contrast agent during an MRI, you may be able to file a claim against the drug maker, hospital or the physician who administered it. It is critical that a thorough health assessment of a patient is done before he or she undergoes any significant diagnostic tests. Failure to do so amounts to negligence. If you believe you have a liability issue or claim, please contact the Missouri personal injury lawyers at Page Cagle for a free consultation and case evaluation. Call (866) 620-5757 today.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070125133443.htm
