Higher death rates in kidney patients with NSF
The newly identified Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is the debilitating and painful condition that affects patients with kidney failure and is characterized by a thickening and hardening of the skin. It can progress so rapidly that patients can be immobilized and wheelchair-bound within a few weeks. The condition has been linked to gadolinium, a contrast agent used in MRI scans. A new study published in the October issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism on the prevalence of NSF and its risk factors found that the disease is associated with an increased risk of dying and that gadolinium exposure is the significant factor for developing it. The study was conducted on patients undergoing dialysis at six outpatient centers in the Boston area. They used a simple three-part skin examination to check for the three skin changes associated with NSF: hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), hardening and tethering (thickening). Patients with two out of the three findings were considered to have a positive examination for NSF and their death rates were followed for two years following the exam.
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