How Gadolinium Can Hurt You and Your Family
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, you are entitled to seek justice and compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering. Call today to speak to our Gadolinium Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Attorney immediately.
What is Gadolinium?
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NFS) is known to be a chronic and progressive condition that was first identified in 1997. Previously referred to as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), the condition triggers an increase in collagen in the tissues, which cause scarring and hardening of skin tissue, known as fibrosis, all over the body. The thickening and hardening of skin tissues can severely restrict movement of joints, and often, individuals will need to depend on wheelchairs soon after being diagnosed with the condition. NFS is also known to impact internal organs including the lungs, heart, diaphragm, esophagus and skeletal muscles.
The onset of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis is manifested through various symptoms including:
- excessive pigmentation
- hand and foot inflammation and blistering
- pain in the hip and ribs
- muscle weakness
- problems extending joints
- skin inflammation and tightening
- the development of thickening, hardened masses on the skin which may burn or itch
- yellow plaque in or near the eyes
Presently, over 400 reported cases of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis have been diagnosed worldwide, it is however expected that these numbers will rise, as increasing awareness is created within the medical fraternity on this condition. As of date, no consistently effective plan is known to be available in treating NSF.
NSF and Gadolinium
Studies reveal a direct link between NSF and gadolinium contrast injections which are administered during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) procedures. Physicians use contrasts such as gadolinium in MRI and MRA procedures, since it contains a metallic element that turns magnetic when placed within a magnetic field. This aids them to effectively differentiate blood vessels from other nearby tissues, and also have an enhanced image of the structure and functioning of the organ.
Additionally, results from the studies indicate that nearly all individuals developed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after being administered a gadolinium based contrast, and that symptoms developed anywhere from two days to 18 months of being administered the contrast. The disorder is yet to be understood completely, and facts relating to the condition are still being unearthed. Studies indicate that patients with a history of kidney problems and renal failure are particularly vulnerable.
In May 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that the labeling on all gadolinium-based MRI dyes clearly indicate the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis for patients suffering from kidney disease. The FDA has approved the use of seven gadolinium agents, however, four of the gadolinium dyes are linked with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and these include:
- Magnevist
- Multihance
- Omniscan
- OptiMARK
In addition, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also advised medical professionals to avoid administering the above mentioned agents to patients:
- diagnosed with moderate to end-stage kidney disease
- undergoing dialysis to treat renal failure
- a kidney transplant
- immuno-suppressant medications
- conditions such as hepatitis C or lupus, which impair kidney function
Gadolinium Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Attorney
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, you are entitled to seek justice and compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering. Please call our experienced Gadolinium Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis attorneys immediately to seek legal counsel and a free consultation.
Our gadolinium MRI dye attorneys will assist you and your family with all the legal information and assistance that you will need in seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and loss of productive time. Our attorneys will work closely with you to understand your personal story on gadolinium side effects, and work with you with through the legal formalities in filing your claim lawsuit.
Our team of San Antonio gadolinium lawyers offer expertise garnered from years of experience in handling dangerous product cases. Call our experienced lawyers today at 210-888-8888.