News for October, 2007

Gadolinium contrast agents used off-label in MRAs pose even greater risk

Gadolinium based contrast agents used during MRIs, are known to be associated with the onset of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/ Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (/NSD) in patients with pre-existing disease.

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NorCal man blames MRI dyes for illness

An elderly man has sued several major health companies, claiming the dyes used to scan his failing kidneys caused a rare, painful and incurable disease. Peter Gerber, 72, of San Rafael, contends that injections of dyes containing the heavy metal gadolinium caused him to develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, or . Also known as nephrogenic fibrosing demopathy, the disease can thicken the skin, stiffen joints, restrict movement and potentially lead to death if it affects internal organs.

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A new concern for end-stage renal disease patients

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis () is a new fibrotic skin disease entity that was first recognized in 1997 in 15 patients receiving hemodialysis.

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Gadolinium MRI contrast agents linked to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Gadolinium based MRI contrast agents and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/ Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (/NFD) have been linked in yet another study. This time, researchers in Scotland have confirmed that based contrast agents used in MRI’s are strongly associated with the onset of this often fatal disorder in people suffering from pre-existing disease. Their findings only add to the growing body of evidence that shows a strong connection between /NFD and based contrast agents that are often used in MRIs.

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MRI contrast agents get strong kidney-risk warning

Certain contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging — gadolinium-based products made by Bayer AG, GE and others — will now carry the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s strongest, “black box” warning.

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MRI Gadolinium contrast agents get black box warning

The U.S. FDA indicated that it would start adding its strongest ‘black box’ warnings to gadolinium based contrast agents used in MRIs by May of next year.

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Cause of debilitating skin condition suggested

New findings from researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and colleagues suggest why some people with failure can develop a rare tightening and swelling of the skin and other organs, including the lungs and heart.

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Gadolinium based contrast agents more common and deadly than previously thought

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/ Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (/NFD), a painful conditions that has been linked to the use of gadolinium based contrast agents used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), could be more prevalent than once thought.

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New kidney disease can be fatal

disease patients with a newly identified disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis () are at increased risk of death, U.S. researchers report. The researchers also concluded that exposure to gadolinium, a contrast agent used in MRI scans, is a significant risk factor for developing , a painful and debilitating condition characterized by a thickening and hardening of the skin. It usually affects the arms and legs but can also affect internal organs. The disease can progress so rapidly that some patients are immobilized and confined to a wheelchair within weeks.

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