Improved Contrast Agent Protocols Eliminate New Cases of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

A study revealed how one medical center implemented strict protocols for administering gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) before imaging that resulted in the elimination of new cases for nephrogenic system fibrosis (NSF).

Implementing this protocol is particularly important for patients with diminished kidney function, according to Dr. Ozden Narin, presenting author for this study. "In the past, we had some patients who developed NSF after they were given a gadolinium-based agent before imaging. We implemented this new policy to see if we could make any change in preventing this condition," she said.

In a retrospective review of 52,954 contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH; Boston, MA, USA) during a 2.5-year period after this protocol was enforced, no new cases of NSF were identified. After examining the findings from this study and recognizing that this protocol is undeniably effective for preventing NSF, Dr. Narin is hopeful that this procedure will continue to make a difference at her institution and other medical centers. She stated, "Now, we only use GBCAs in patients with decreased kidney function in emergent cases and we have procedures in place to pay special attention to those patients and to take all the necessary precautions."

Dr. Narin delivered the study's findings on May 3, 2011 at the 2011 American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) annual meeting in Chicago (IL, USA).

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