News Report on MRI Complications that cause NSF

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted May 30, 2008

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A recent television news report on Fox 8 in Cleveland, Ohio highlights the devastating effects of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and outlines several of the underlying facts alleged in lawsuits currently pending for those who have been diagnosed with this horrible condition.

>>VIDEO LINK: Did MRI Complications Cause Young Man’s Death?

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent clients who have been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after receiving an MRI with a gadolinium based contrast agent. The progressive disorder is known to occur in those with chronic kidney problems or renal failure and is associated with the hardening and thickening of the skin and connective tissue throughout the body. There is no cure or consistently successful treatment for NSF, and the condition slowly restricts movement of the joints. In most cases individuals diagnosed with NSF require use of a wheelchair and it leads to death in many cases.

For those who can not follow the video link, some of the key items outlined in the Fox Investigation Report include:

  • NSF could have been avoided if those with known kidney problems had not been given the gadolinium based contrast agent as part of their MRI.
  • Yale’s Dr. Shawn Cowper states, “There is evidence in the literature to suggest that certain products are probably more causative or more linked or associated with the disease.”
  • European health authorities have treated the MRI contrast agents different than the FDA. While the FDA added the same black box warning to all five gadolinium contrasts, in Europe three of the drugs, Omniscan, Magnavist and Optimark, are contraindicated for those with severe kidney problems
  • Omniscan, Magnavist and Optimark use linear formulations, which puts chemical lines or barriers between the toxic gadolinium and the body. However, these linear formulations are more unstable and tend to breakdown easier and release gadolinium into the body.
  • At the time the FDA approved these drugs, medical research indicated that these linear formulations were more unstable and lawsuits allege that the pharmaceutical companies knew or should have know of the dangers.

NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to review potential new cases for individuals diagnosed with NSF, or those who have experienced symptoms of the condition, such as:

  • Burning, itching, swelling of the skin
  • Development of "thick skin" or "hard skin" which appears shiny
  • Red or dark patches of skin
  • Yellow spots on the whites of the eyes
  • Stiff joints which cause trouble straightening or moving the limbs
  • Deep pain in the hip bones or ribs
  • Generalized muscle weakness.

To review a potential MRI lawsuit with our nephrogenic systemic fibrosis lawyers, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

3 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • michael says:

    sever joint pain primarily in hips and knees. swellling and redness of joints, muscle fatigue, and swelling of legs with rashes

    Posted on January 2, 2009 at 9:58 pm

  • Robin says:

    I do not have the renal diease, but I suffer with serve knee pain ,hip and joint pain my right thumb in the morning into midday is servely stiff with no moment at all in it.Upon moment my thumb is a squeaky bone thaht needs to be oiled, this is every day my feet do a lot of swelling.

    Posted on July 20, 2009 at 10:11 pm

  • Robin says:

    I have not being diagnose with nsf as a fact I have a lot of problems with my right thumb it is stiff and unmoveable in the morning up to mid morning, my knees hurt and my hip bone (right) gives me serve pain.

    Posted on July 20, 2009 at 10:23 pm

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