Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, or NSF, is a debilitating disease that causes skin to become tight and rigid on the hands, feet, arms, and legs. The affected skin can also be itchy, burning, and/or painful, and also can form raised, discolored bumps. Internal organs can be affected by the disease, which can occasionally lead to death.
The only known cause of NSF is gadolinium poisoning. Gadolinium is a contrast agent used in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. One such gadolinium contrast agent is called Omniscan, manufactured by GE Healthcare. Most people are able to flush gadolinium from their system, but patients with lowered kidney function wouldn’t be able to flush the gadolinium quite as fast, leading to the risk of gadolinium poisoning.
In May 2006, GE received a a recommendation from its own safety experts to restrict the usage of Omniscan after reports in Europe linked the product with NSF. Rather than heeding the advice and warning doctors to stop using Omniscan in high-risk patients, GE actively tried to fight off any label changes by arguing Omniscan was no more dangerous than its competitors, a claim that many doctors and safety experts disagree with.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is helping pursue numerous legal claims on behalf of MRI patients who have been contacted our law firm after being diagnosed with NSF. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, we can help you too. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at (800) 333-0000 or send us an email using our contact us form.
Omniscan® is a registered trademark of GE Healthcare.
