Parker Waichman LLP

Hemodialysis After MRI with Gadolinium May Prevent NSF in Some Kidney Patients

Patients Who Undergo Hemodialysis Following Exposure to Gadolinium During an MRI May Be At Less Risk. A new  study indicates that some kidney patients who undergo hemodialysis following exposure to gadolinium contrast dyes during an MRI may be at less risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). The study, conducted by researchers at Weill Medical College […]

Hemodialysis

Patients Who Undergo Hemodialysis Following Exposure to Gadolinium During an MRI May Be At Less Risk. A new  study indicates that some kidney patients who undergo hemodialysis following exposure to gadolinium contrast dyes during an MRI may be at less risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). The study, conducted by researchers at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, was recently published in the journal “Radiology”.

NSF is debilitating, and sometimes fatal disease, that affects people with pre-existing kidney diseases who have undergone MRI studies that involve gadolinium contrast dyes. There is currently no cure for NSF and no one understands its specific cause. The disorder is characterized  by high blood pressure, burning, itching, swelling and hardening of the skin. Other symptoms include red or dark patches on the skin; pain deep in the hip bones or ribs and muscle weakness. NSF can progress to the point of causing severe stiffness in joints, and it can lead to death.

The evidence that gadolinium contrast agents play a role in the development of NSF is fast becoming irrefutable. Dutch scientists made the first connection between NSF and gadolinium in 2006. Since then, researchers at Yale University have reported that 95-percent of those with NSF had undergone a Magnetic Imaging Resonance (MRI) procedure that involved a gadolinium contrast dye two to three months before their symptoms appeared. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital also have found that kidney patients who had undergone MRIs with gadolinium  contrast dyes were 10 times more likely to develop NSF than patient who had not been exposed to such agents.

In 2007, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) asked the manufacturers of gadolinium contrast dyes to add a black box warning to the product labels about its association with NSF. The FDA also warned that patients with kidney disease should avoid gadolinium contrast agents.

For the study detailed in Radiology, researcher analyzed cases of biopsy-confirmed NSF among all patients who received a gadolinium-based contrast agent between January 1, 1997, and June 30, 2007. In total, there were 31 biopsy-confirmed cases of NSF in 10 men and 21 women.   The patients ranged in age from 13 to 82 years.

Hemodialysis Helped Prevent NSF In Patients

The researchers found that hemodialysis helped prevent NSF in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)- a measure of kidney function – of less than 15 mL/min. Increased risk of NSF was associated with patients with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min who received a higher dose of gadolinium contrast dye, and who also experienced acute renal failure, delayed hemodialysis after contrast agent injection, proinflammatory events, and hyperphosphatemia, a condition where there is abnormally elevated level of phosphate in the blood.

The study also found that the dosage level of the gadolinium agent played a role in the development of NSF.  The occurrence NSF after gadolinium-based contrast agent administration without screening for renal function were 0 of 74,124 patients with a standard gadolinium dose and 15 (0.17%) of 8,997 patients with the high dose. The incidence associated with the high dose increased to 0.4% in the patients who received hemodialysis and increased to 8.8% in patients who had an eGFR less than 15 mL/min but had not received hemodialysis treatment.

Eleven of 69 patients with acute renal failure who received a high dose when their creatinine level was increasing developed NSF when hemodialysis was delayed for more than two days.

The authors of the study concluded that  the chances of  a patient developing  NSF could be lessened by  first identifying those with eGFR in the range of 30 mL/min or less.  Those patients should receive a lower dose (no more than 0.1 mmol/kg).  Finally, the authors wrote that patients “who have acute renal failure with increasing serum creatinine levels or who are in a dialysis regimen at the time of gadolinium-based contrast agent administration should undergo hemodialysis shortly after the gadolinium-enhanced MR examination.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Hemodialysis?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Parker Waichman for helping me with my case. You know what you are doing. They are very professional, I would say they are the best. Thanks to Jorge Peniche for helping me feel that I need it.
anyelo robles
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Jody Ryerson
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I was in a car accident about a month ago, and had no idea what to do or where to go for help. As I was struggling to walk one morning, when the commercial for Park Waichman came on and the jingle stuck in my head "1800 Just Call, just call that's all!" Well, I called, and like the jingle says, that's all I had to do. Everyone at the office has been a very present help, and always answer my calls and emails timely. Julie and Maryann have been so patient and wonderful with my constant questions, and have taken care of everything! Joanne has been a constant reassurance in reaching out to check on me and make sure that my medical needs are being addressed by my health care providers and that my care is progressing as best as possible. She has a very warm and kindhearted demeanor, which makes everything seem like it will be ok. Thank you for that Joanne, it means the world to me! I would highly recommend the team at Parker Waichman.
ELEONOR PAZMINO
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038