Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy or NSF, is a rare but serious health condition. It involves the fibrosis of the joints, skin, eyes, and internal organs. This skin disorder is believed to be caused by MRI scans using gadolinium-based contrasts. Patients who have developed nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy experience significant, life-long health effects as a result. If you have NSF, contact our lawyers to explore your options for pursuing compensation to pay for your ongoing medical care.
Causes of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
The exact cause of NSF is not fully understood. However, most of the evidence points to exposure to gadolinium. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are frequently used for MRI medical scans, and this appears to be the main source of exposure for patients who have developed NSF. Four of the seven gadolinium MRI contrast agents currently approved by the U.S. FDA appear to be tied to NSF, including Multihance, Omniscan, Magnevist, and OptiMARK.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis appears to be more likely in people with severe kidney failure. Most patients with NSF have previously undergone hemodialysis for renal failure. Others have taken immunosuppresive medications or have other serious diseases, such as hepatitis C. The current evidence suggests that NSF is not tied to age, race, gender, or genetic components.
Patients with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis first develop large areas of hardened skin covered with plaques and fibrotic nodules. NSF can also cause the joints to contract, resulting in pain and a limited range of motion. Severe NSF can cause systemic fibrosis, which damages internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Lawsuits
The first cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis were identified in 1997, but the link between this condition and gandolinium-based contrast agents was not made until 2006. Although gandolinium-containing contrast is now contraindicated in patients with poor renal function, such contrast agents have already been used in thousands of patients, some of whom developed NSF as a result.
There is no consistently successful treatment for NSF, although improving renal function seems to slow or gradually reverse the symptoms. In some cases, the effects of NSF are permanent, leaving patients with life-long disfigurement and limited mobility. The treatment of NSF can be costly; often, patients are left with mounting medical bills, in addition to the original medical condition for which they were receiving an MRI.
If you have developed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and have been left with medical expenses or physical injuries caused by the condition, contact our lawyers to discuss your options. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the contrast agent manufacturer for compensation.
Contact a NSF Lawyer
Has you or a loved one developed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after undergoing MRI scans using a gadolinium-based contrast agent? If so, contact our experienced lawyers who can help you pursue the manufacturer for compensation. You stand a much better chance of being compensated for your injuries if you are represented by a skilled attorney.
The laws regarding drug liability lawsuits are complex; cases involving rare medical conditions such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis are especially so. That is why you need an experienced attorney on your side. Filing a suit for NSF requires extensive documentation, such as medical records and bills. Your attorney can help you gather and organize this paperwork in order to present a strong case. Because this is a rare condition, you may need the assistance of medical experts to testify on your behalf. Your lawyer will have access to such experts. You can expect the other side to be represented by a team of lawyers; to level the playing field. Contact an experienced lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights!
