Hope for MRI NSF Patients

Houston, TXThere may be some hope for patients who developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) after being exposed to gadolinium contrast agents for an MRI. A new treatment has shown positive results when tested on patients with NSF. However, the number of patients who received the treatment was very small, three, so it may be too early to tell whether or not the treatment will work on all NSF patients.

The treatment is known as Extracorporeal Photopheresis, and it is a form of dialysis in which the blood is treated with photoactive drugs. Those drugs are then activated when the blood is exposed to ultraviolet light. The blood, with the activated photoactive drugs, is reintroduced to the body, helping the immune system fight off the NSF.

NSF is a highly debilitating disease, in which collagen accumulates in the patient's tissue causing skin to harden and thicken. Joints can become immobile, with some patients eventually requiring wheelchairs because they are unable to walk. NSF can also cause disorders of the patient's organs, such as the liver, lungs and heart and can be fatal.

It is not known for sure what causes NSF although the disease has been linked to the use of gadolinium based contrast dyes in patients with renal failure. The theory is that a patient who has renal failure cannot expel the gadolinium, which is a highly toxic metal, from his body as quickly as necessary. Gadolinium is administered as a chelate, supposedly protecting patients from its toxicity; however, if the gadolinium stays in the body too long it could separate from the chelate, resulting in NSF.

Up to now, there has been no treatment that has consistently helped patients with NSF. However, according to researchers in Scotland, the results from the three patients exposed to Extracorporeal Photopheresis are promising. "All three showed clinical response with softening of skin plaques at the end of four cycles, and improved range of movement in all four limbs on completion of treatment." One patient, who was diagnosed with NSF 4.5 years ago was able to resume many daily activities, although the patient was still chairbound. The two other patients, who had milder symptoms, experienced significant improvement.

Many patients who have had an MRI with a gadolinium based contrast dye are now wondering if they may have developed NSF. Although it occurs in patients with renal failure, it is possible that some patients had undiagnosed renal failure when their MRI occurred. Symptoms of NSF include burning, itching or swelling of the skin, tightening of the skin, a change in skin texture, stiffness in joints and trouble moving the limbs, muscle weakness and pain in the hip bones or ribs.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by the use of gadolinium-based contrast dye during an MRI, you may be eligible to join a lawsuit against the maker of the dye. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options.