New Scottish Study Confirms Gadolinium Link with NSF
In a separate and new study researchers in Scotland have once again linked Gadolinium containing contrast agents used in MRIs to the devastating and sometimes deadly disorder nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Their findings have added to the growing quantity of evidence that strongly associates the onset of NSF with people receiving MRIs who have pre-existing kidney disease. The Scottish study looked at 1,826 patients who underwent renal replacement therapy at two Glasgow hospitals between January 1, 2000 and July 1, 2006. Of those patients, 421 underwent an MRI that involved the use of a Gadolinium based contrast agent. Fourteen were diagnosed with NSF, and of those, 13 had been exposed to Gadolinium during an MRI. The researchers also found that the patients with NSF had received far higher doses of Gadolinium than those patients who were exposed to it but did not develop the disorder. The Scottish study was the second published this month that confirmed the link between NSF and Gadolinium. In their report they suggested that Gadolinium contrast agents be avoided altogether or at the very least in patients with pre-existing kidney issues. Also, in cases where Gadolinium is the only alternative the lowest dose possible should be used.
