Gadolinium side effects have been recently connected to patients magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gadolinium for MRI is used to improve the visibility of internal organs and tissues, so the radiologist can more easily detect anomalies. A population-based study conducted by Dr. Aneet Deo revealed that patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), an increased risk for gadolinium were side effects. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) to ESRD patients found after gadoliniumExposure.
The study analyzed data from 467 patients with kidney dialysis due to renal insufficiency. MRI with gadolinium was reported in 87 patients subjected to the 123 radiological examinations, with the most common MRI of the abdomen and pelvic area. The study was the first gadolinium strongly associated side effects such as NSF with dialysis patients. The researchers documented cases of NSF 4.3 per 1000 patient-years. From these initial studies indicate that only patients with end-stage renal disease, kidney (Disease) seem to be a risk for the debilitating skin disease, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) will be.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a systemic disease that is potentially deadly. NSF is characterized by thickening and tightening of the skin. It was first observed in 1997, when she referred to as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). Although the exact cause of NSF is unknown, recent studies an association between NSF and patients with kidney problems following gadolinium showsMRI exposure.
The NSF Gadolinium side effect usually begins in the lower extremities but can also develop in the membrane, the muscles in the thigh and lower abdomen and lungs. Since the patients thickening of the skin, they can suffer from develop decreased mobility of joints, resulting from the inability to bend and extend the joints. NSF was admitted after taking all five of the FDA reported gadolinium contrast agents: Magnevist, Omniscan MultiHance OptiMARK and ProHance.
InResponse to the association of NSF and gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert in the health sector, including the new warnings on nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
The FDA's new warning for patients at risk for gadolinium side effect of NSF.
The warning includes the following warnings and recommendations:
o The exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agents (GBCA) increases the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) inPatients with severe acute or chronic renal insufficiency or acute renal failure due to hepatorenal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplantation period.
o NSF is a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease of the skin, muscles and internal organs.
o Avoid the use of gadolinium, if the diagnostic information is important and regular MRI studies are not available.
o All patients should have an examination for renal dysfunction (kidney problems) by acquiring aHistory and laboratory tests if necessary.
o When administering a gadolinium contrast agent, do not exceed the recommended dose described in the product. Prior to re-administration of gadolinium, it must allow sufficient time for the elimination of gadolinium.
The FDA is currently considering other options for risk management in response to the discovery of gadolinium side effects in patients undergoing MRI studies. Patients are urged to consult their physicianimmediately after receiving a gadolinium-enhanced MRI when one of the following symptoms that may indicate the development of NSF:
Skin and eyes
o swelling, hardening and tightening of the skin
o red or dark patches on the skin
o burning or itching of the skin
o Yellow spots on elevated the whites of the eyes
Bones and muscles
o stiffness in the joints, problems moving or straightening arms, hands, legs or feet
o Pain deep in your hipBones or ribs
o Muscle weakness
The reported time between the patient undergoing an MRI with gadolinium and diagnosis of NSF varies widely among patients. He can from day to several months. Patients with NSF can die from complications of the disease-related.
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