Gadolinium Contrast Dye MRI MRA effects

Gadolinium NEWS Update 11/28/2007:

Reports of NSF Continue to be Linked to Gadolinium Based Dye Used in Patients

Of the most recently reported NSF cases is a 38 year old woman named Sarah Francella who resides in Santa Barbara, CA. Francella, who has been suffering from NSF since an MRI 2 years ago, is enduring the immobilizing aftermath of Gadolinium. With very little research and information available regarding NSF this is an uphill battle for many that has just begun and likely won’t be ending soon.

Over a 1,000 cases of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) are being investigated nationwide. With growing concern regarding Gadolinium use, a contrast agent used during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), NSF is making its way to the forefront of both patient and physician concern. Though rare, NSF is a severely painful and sometimes fatal disease that has no known cure. Most common in patients with prior kidney problems, NSF develops 2-3 months following an MRI. Patients who develop this condition experience calcification and hardening beneath the skin. This damage is irreversible, as well as extremely uncomfortable.

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FDA NEWS UPDATE FOR GADOLINIUM:

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): marketed as Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptiMARK, ProHance

Audience: Radiologists, Nephrologists, Dermatologists, other healthcare professionals
[UPDATED 09/28/2007] Manufacturers of Gadolinium-based contrast agents issued a Dear Healthcare Professional letter to inform healthcare professionals of the addition of a BOXED WARNING and revisions to the WARNING section of the prescribing information for Gadolinium-based contrast agents as listed above used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

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Gadolinium is a clear, non-radioactive liquid approved by the FDA as an injectible contrast agent used during magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRI).  These advanced tests use high-powered radio waves to look inside the body, and doctors use Gadolinium to provide better contrast between healthy and unhealthy tissues. 

When Gadolinium fluid is injected into the veins it is absorbed by the unhealthy tissue, and these areas appear as very bright compared with the other areas of the body, giving doctors a clear picture of which organs or areas of the body are abnormal. 

Gadolinium allergic reaction condition:

Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating a connection between gadolinium-based chemical agents and the disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, sometimes called Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), which affects patients suffering from kidney failure.  The FDA believes that a link could exist between NSF and gadolinium after the Danish Medicines Agency reported 25 cases on May 29, 2006.  Of these cases, 20 were reported in Denmark and five in Austria.   All of these patients developed NSF within at least three months after contact with gadolinium.

The symptoms of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis generally include:

• Tightening and swelling of the skin, usually in the extremities
• Thickening of the skin around the joints, which restricts movement
• Muscle weakness
• Reddened patches on the skin
• Skin texture changes one not dissimilar to an orange peel
• Burning, itching, sharp pains in affected areas
• Calcification of muscle, skin, tendons
• Bone pain in the hips and ribs
• Symmetrical skin lesions, commonly on the ankles and thighs
• Yellow plaques near the eyes
• Hypertension usually precedes skin lesions

The relatively rapid onset of symptoms combined with the severity of the condition has baffled doctors, and as such there is no current successful treatment for NFD. 

Gadolinium poisoning:

If you or someone you know is suffering from gadolinium poisoning, you must consult our dedicated and aggressive attorneys immediately.  We are currently investigating the alleged causal link between gadolinium and NFD, although there is no direct evidence as of yet that establishes a secure connection. Our vast experience with defective medical products enables us to move quickly and get you the justice you deserve.  Contact us today.

Update: May 23, 2007 FDA Boxed Warning for Gadolinium:

FDA notified healthcare professionals of the Agency's request for the addition of a boxed warning and new warnings about the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) to the full prescribing information for all gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). The new prescribing information FDA is requesting highlights and describes the risk for NSF following exposure to a GBCA in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 square meters) and patients with acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to the hepato-renal syndrome or in the peri-operative liver transplantation period. Healthcare professionals should avoid the use of a GBCA in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Gadolinium

NSF/NFD Terms used to find this page include the following:

NSF - Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
NFD - Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy
Gadolinium
Gadolinium side effects
MRI dye allergic reaction
Gadolinium allergic reaction
MRI side effects
MRI problems
MRA problems
MRI after effects
MRI dye side effects
MRA side effects
MRA after effects
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MRI injury
MRA injury
MRI contrast agent side effects
Gadolinium based contrast agent side effects
Gadolinium induced NSF
Gadolinium induced NFD
Magnevist MRI contrast agent
MultiHance MRI contrast agent
Omniscan MRI contrast agent
OptiMARK MRI contrast agent
ProHance MRI contrast agent
MRI and kidney failure
MRA and kidney failure
gadolinium contrast agent
MRI risks
MRA risks
Magnevist side effects
MultiHance side effects
Omniscan side effects
OptiMARK side effects
ProHance side effects
FDA approved gadolinium based contrast agents
NSF following MRI
NFD following MRI
NSF following MRA
NFD following MRA
NSF symptoms
NFD symptoms
causes of NSF
causes of NFD
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