Risk of NSF and death rate higher than previously thought

A new study on nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) confirms a definite and strong association between the use of gadolinium based contrast agents during an MRI and the development of the debilitating condition for those with kidney problems.  Researchers also found that the NSF death rate and risk of developing the condition may be much higher than originally thought for dialysis patients.

>>INFORMATION: Gadolinium contrast linked to NSF

The findings are published in the October issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.  Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital followed 186 kidney patients who were undergoing dialysis at six outpatient centers in the Boston area.  They found that 25 of the participants in the study developed skin problems consistent with NSF. 

To increase participation in the study and reduce the risk of problems associated with a biopsy, the researchers chose to only do non-invasive skin examinations to make a positive diagnosis of NSF.  Any individual who was found to have two of the three skin symptoms associated with NSF were classified as positive for the disease.  These included a darkening, hardening or thickening of the skin.

>>INFORMATION: Symptoms of NSF

The researchers found that the prevalence of NSF may be significantly higher than originally indicated in other studies.  Prior reports indicated that those with moderate to end-stage renal failure face a 3% to 4% risk of developing NSF after exposure to a gadolinium based contrast used during an MRI or MRA.  However, the researchers from Mass General were able to review electronic medical records for about half of the patients in the study and found that nearly 30% of those with confirmed exposure to a gadolinium MRI contrast agent developed NSF.

NSF DEATH RATE

An unexpected finding from the study was that the NSF death rate was significantly higher for those with the skin problems than those without them.  Of the participants diagnosed with NSF, the fatality rate was 48% within two years, compared to 20% for the dialysis patients who did not have the skin problems.  The majority of the NSF deaths occurred within the first six months after the examination, indicating an increased risk of early fatality associated with the condition.

An editorial by leading NSF researchers, Shawn Cowper, Philip Kuo and Richard Bucala of the Yale University School of Medicine, accompanied the study in the same issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.  They indicated that the findings of early skin changes may mean NSF is more common than was previously believed.  This may also raise the possibility that there is a previously unrecognized early, less severe form of NSF.

MRI CONTRAST LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals who have experienced skin problems or other symptoms of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after receiving a gadolinium MRI contrast agent.  Potential MRI lawsuits are being reviewed nationwide for those who suspect problems may be related to the contrast agent.  To find out if you, a friend or family member may qualify for a claim, request a free case evaluation.