Preventing Gadolinium-Associated Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

At one U.S. institution, adherence to guidelines has virtually eliminated this condition.

In 2007, shortly after an association between nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium-based contrast agents was recognized in patients with impaired renal function, the FDA issued recommendations on administration of these agents. In the current study, radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital report the incidence of NSF before and after implementation of institutional guidelines.

Of the 113,000 contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies performed from 2002 through 2007, 1.1% were performed in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) <30 mL/minute/1.73 m². Between 2008 and 2010 — after guidelines were implemented — only 0.07% of 53,000 contrast-enhanced MRIs were performed in patients with e…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose