Although the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents can help doctors diagnose serious illnesses and in some cases is essential to best care, there are many circumstances in which the risk of these dangerous pharmaceuticals outweighs their benefits.

 

In particular, the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents has been linked to an increased risk of a rare but dangerous condition known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD).

 

This risk has been linked to all gadolinium-based contrast agents, including those manufactured by:

• GE Healthcare
• Mallinkrodt/Tyco Healthcare
• Bayer/Schering AG/Berlex
• Bracco Diagnostics

 

What is NSF/NFD?

 

NSF/NFD is a rare, debilitating and potentially fatal condition that affects people with kidney disease or decreased renal function. The condition causes fibrosis of the skin and of connective tissues throughout the body. Although fibrosing often begins in the legs, it can start anywhere in the body and can spread across the skin and deep into the body, affecting muscles and major organs, leading to permanent disability or death. Symptoms of NSF/NFD include:

• Inflammation, burning, itching, and tightening of the skin
• Symmetrical skin lesions, most often beginning in the legs
• Swelling of the hands and feet, with blister-like lesions
• Thickening of the skin that may inhibit movement
• Muscle weakness and a decreased range of movement at joints
• Yellow plaques in or near the eyes

 

These symptoms may appear a few days, weeks, or 18-24 months and longer after exposure to a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

 

Who is at Risk for NSF/NFD?

 

So far, the only common feature linking all cases of NSF/NFD is decreased kidney function. However, studies have shown that people with kidney failure who receive gadolinium are at least 30 times more likely to acquire NSF/NFD.

 

Persons aged 8-88 have contracted the disease, but the mean age of NSF/NFD-sufferers is 46.5, and the majority of cases have been seen in middle-aged persons. Men and women seem to be affected equally.

 

How Can NSF/NFD be treated?

 

At this point, there is no reliable treatment or cure for NSF/NFD.

 

About half of those who contract NSF/NFD become severely disabled. Many die.  Many suffer ongoing pain and a gradual worsening of the disease that leads to disability and puts them at risk for fatal complications from falls or other injuries.

 

Compensation for Your Injuries Caused by Gadolinium Exposure

 

If you developed NSF after exposure to a gadolinium-based contrast agent, the consequences are devastating, and you deserve compensation for your gadolinium exposure injuries. The resulting disability and expensive medical care for NSF/NFD can both decrease your earning potential and increase your expenses so that you simply cannot pay for treatments. In this situation, a gadolinium injury lawsuit may be able to make those responsible for your injury pay for your treatments.

 

To maximize the chances of a favorable outcome for your gadolinium injury lawsuit, it is crucial that you work with attorneys who understand the complicated medical and legal issues involved in gadolinium and NSF lawsuits. The attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton have a track record of success, one that has been acknowledged by our peers and judges through our appointment to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) for gadolinium lawsuits. PSC's are a small group of attorneys entrusted with leading multidistrict litigation.

 

We represent victims of gadolinium exposure in all 50 states. Let us put our expertise to work for you. Contact us to schedule a drug injury consultation today.