NSF Symptoms (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis)
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), is a rare and serious syndrome that involves fibrosis of skin, joints, eyes, and internal organs. Its cause is not fully understood, but it seems to be associated with exposure to gadolinium (which is frequently used as a contrast substance for MRIs and MRAs) in patients with severe kidney failure.
In Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), patients develop large areas of hardened skin with fibrotic nodules and plaques. Flexion contractures with an accompanying limitation of range of motion can also occur. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) resembles scleromyxedema at the histologic (microscopic) level; it shows a proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and dendritic cells, thickened collagen bundles, increased elastic fibers, and deposits of mucin.
Most patients with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) have undergone hemodialysis for renal failure, some have never undergone dialysis and others have received only peritoneal dialysis. Many patients have taken immunosuppressive medications and have other diseases, such as hepatitis C. Four of the five FDA-approved Gadolinium contrast agents have been principally implicated in Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), including Omniscan, Multihance, Magnevist, and OptiMARK.
NSF Symptoms
Skin and Eye Problems
- Skin Swelling
- Skin Hardening
- Skin Tightening
- Reddened or darkened patches on the skin
- Burning or itching of your skin
- Yellow raised spots on the whites of your eyes
Bone, Joint and Muscle Problems
- Stiffness in your joints
- Problems moving or straightening arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Pain deep in your hip bones or ribs
- Muscle weakness
Diagnosing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
Diagnosis of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is done by looking at a sample of skin under a microscope. Patients with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) have tight and rigid skin making it difficult to bend joints. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) may also result in fibrosis, or scarring, of body organs. Fibrosis of internal organs can lead to death if the body's organs are incapable of working properly.
Skin Tightening - Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
Patients with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) describe swelling and tightening of the skin, usually limited to the extremities, but sometimes involving the trunk. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) may develop over a period of days to several weeks. In many cases, the skin thickening inhibits the flexion and extension of joints, resulting in contractures. Severely affected patients with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) may be unable to walk, or fully extend the joints of their arms, hands, legs, and feet. Complaints of muscle weakness are common with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Approximately 5% of patients have a rapidly progressive course.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) Skin Rashes and Pains
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) causes the skin to change, startinng with reddened or darkened patches, papules, or plaques. In time, the skin may feel "woody" and the surface may resemble the texture of the peel of an orange. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) patients may experience burning, itching, or severe sharp pains in areas of involvement. Radiography may reveal calcifications of the soft tissue. Deep "bone pain" has been described in the hips and in the ribs.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) Lawsuit
If you had a MRI/MRA and a Gadolinium-based contrast dye, medium, or agent was used to enhance the MRI image, then your health may be at risk. If you developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), skin problems, skin tightening, severe joint problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, then you may be eligible to collect money damages for your injuries. Please call us at 1-800-883-9858 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form.
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