Research Has Linked Contrast Dye Gadolinium To Serious Kidney Ailment
In 1997, a medical team in California began to notice a common set of magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, contrast side effects that affected only a certain segment of people. Typically, the imaging technique uses large, powerful magnets to align water molecules in the body. By changing their arrangement, they create a magnetic field, which is detected, creating an image of internal organs and more. However, sometimes the water in the body is not enough, and technicians have to inject patients with what is known as a contrast agent. These typically contain metals or other materials that are more magnetic, and will therefore show up more readily in an image. But the medical team started to notice that renal patients were experiencing extreme complications after the procedures that used a gadolinium contrast dye. Kidney patients face additional risks, because their natural filtering system is not functioning at maximum capacity. This means that the metals and elements in the high contrast, metallic dyes and agents are not filtering out enough of the chemicals. Subsequently, patients start to experience symptoms of a disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, or NSF. Obvious signs of NSF include the following painful symptoms: Hardened skin Dark patches Unexplained lesions (cuts) Fibrous nodes and plaques Fibrosis of the diaphragm Fibrosis of lungs Fibrosis of thigh muscles or abdomen
While these reactions are not themselves fatal, related complications can lead to death. Skin and muscles begin to harden because bodies are creating very high levels of excess fibrous tissue. This tissue is naturally occurring and normal, but only during growing and repairing phases, such as just after an injury. In NSF patients, the healing is out of control. Subsequently, the skin can become hard, or appear and feel almost like tree bark. For other internal organs, there can be so much fiber that they cease to work. In the case of the lungs, normal breathing is interrupted as the air sacs are filled and destroyed. The patient will eventually suffocate. Since NSF is so new, there is currently no cure. However, many victims have managed to control the problems as they occur, or at least minimize the pain and debilitating effect that they have in their daily lives. Victims are also filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of the drugs that have made them sick, alleging that they knew the dangers ahead of time. Here's a small list of drugs and manufacturers that contain the potentially deadly gadolinium. If you have any renal problems and were recently subjected to a radiology procedure requiring the use of a contrasting agent, are experiencing one or more of the severe symptoms listed above, or have any other reason to believe that you may have contracted NSF, contact your doctor, physician, or other health care professional immediately. An early diagnosis is vital in mitigating the often debilitating problems associated with the ailment. Additionally, you may be due recompense from an existing or pending lawsuit. If you are diagnosed by your doctor, contact a lawyer immediately to see if you qualify.
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