Overview
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare disease that occurs mostly in people with kidney disease after exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Gadolinium is a substance found in contrast dye. Healthcare providers use contrast dye during imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Having kidney damage puts you at risk for NSF because your kidneys have trouble filtering GBCAs from your bloodstream.
NSF causes your skin to become thick, hard or begin to swell and itch. It can lead to joint contracture, which is when your muscles and tendons become stuck in a bent or straightened position. NSF can also affect other parts of your body like your heart and lungs because it causes the tissue and muscles in your chest to harden. There’s currently no treatment for NSF that can stop its progression or reverse its effects.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires warning labels on certain GBCAs that say the product shouldn’t be given to people with kidney disease because it’s a known cause of NSF. The newer GBCAs on the market aren’t known to cause NSF in people with kidney disease.
How common is nephrogenic systemic fibrosis?
It’s an incredibly rare disease. There haven’t been any new cases of NSF in over 10 years. The prevalence went down significantly after 2006 when the healthcare community became aware of how GBCAs affect people with kidney issues.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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