Gadolinium - Kidney & Renal Failure

February 2, 2009

Gadolinium - Kidney & Renal Failure

MRI Patients with Kidney & Renal Failure at High Risk

Gadolinium is the active ingredient in several different brands of contrast dyes used to enhance MRI and MRA images. Gadolinium is a member of the lanthanide family of metals.  It is never found in nature as the free element but always as a part of rare minerals. Gadolinium has no role in biological systems.  The size of the tri-positive Gadolinium ion (Gd3+) is very close to that of Ca2+ (calcium) and as such Gd3+ is a potent inhibitor of many Ca-dependent physiological processes.  As a result Gd3+ is highly toxic – even in small amounts.

NSF Caused by Gadolinium Toxicity

In April of 2006, reports began to surface that certain patients using gadolinium dyes were developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), previously known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). NSF is a disease which causes a thickening of the skin, connective tissues, muscles and internal organs throughout the body. There is no known treatment for NSF, it becomes worse over time and can lead to death.

So far, NSF has only developed in patients with kidney impairment. Although the cause of NSF has not yet been discovered, medical research has confirmed that NSF can be triggered by exposure to gadolinium. Gadolinium is found in certain contrast dyes used with MRI and MRA exams. These dyes are collectively referred to as gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).

The following patients are believed to be at high risk for developing NSF if they are exposed to gadolinium dyes:

• Patients with severe kidney insufficiency;
• Patients just before or after liver transplantation, who also have kidney insufficiency; and
• Patients with chronic liver disease, who also have kidney insufficiency.

Kidney Patients with NSF

The typical patient is middle-aged and has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Most, but not all, are on regular dialysis treatment or have undergone dialysis for kidney failure. Many patients have a history of taking immunosuppressive medications or have other diseases, such as hepatitis C. NSF appears to affect males and females in equal numbers.

 Although most NSF patients are middle-aged, it has occurred in children and the elderly. NSF has been confirmed in patients ranging from 8 - 87. NSF patients come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and from various continents across the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Gadolinium Toxicity Lawsuits

Kidney Patients with Skin & Muscle Problems after a MRI with Contrast, call us at 1-800-883-9858. Talk to a NSF LAwyer that understands the dangers of gadolinium and the toxic effects to kidney & renal failure patients

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