Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy Description
Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy [NFD] and Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis [NSF] are exactly the same disease. The only reason for the difference of names is because the medical community previously believed that the disease only affected skin tissue, thus dermopathy. However, later investigation revealed that the disease affected vital organs as well, thus systemic or the entire body system.
Individuals with NFD develop fibrosing dermopathy – scar tissue – in multiple areas of their bodies, whether externally, internally or both. NFD is a progressive disorder.
Two conditions are significantly associated with acquiring NFD. First, the patient suffers from kidney dysfunction or kidney failure. Second, the patient has been exposed to gadolinium, an element used as a contrast agent for MRI or MRA scans.
Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy Symptoms
The onset of the fibrosing tissue occurs between 2 days to 3 months after exposure to gadolinium. These symptoms worsen within the first few weeks after their initial manifestation. 5% of NFD patients experience a rapid spread of the disease throughout the body.
Early signs of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy are apparent on skin tissue. The fibrosis causes skin lesions accompanied by sensations of itchiness, of burning, and / or of severe pain in the affected areas.
Swelling, darkening, or hardening of the skin usually occurs first between the ankles and thighs. The skin fibrosis then affects the areas between the wrist and upper arms. Hands and feet swell. Often, the disease works symmetrically throughout the body, meaning it affects limbs and extremities in matching pairs, i.e. right and left thigh, then right and left upper arm. Fibrosing skin areas take on the texture of wood.
Joints, connective tissues, and bone muscles tighten, which in turn, limits the range of motion and the ability of limbs and extremities to move. Some cases involve a tightening of the trunk area of an individual. Pain from the areas of the hips and ribs has been reported.
Moving limbs or extremities becomes difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Many patients with nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy eventually need walking canes or wheelchairs due to their consequent immobilization. Arthralgia and myalgia are both serious occurrences in patients with NFD.
Yellow dots also appear on the whites of the eyes.
The fibrosing symptoms do NOT necessarily manifest in the order described above. However, if you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible. NFD may lead to death.
Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy and Gadolinium
Gadolinium triggers nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy in patients with kidney failure. Gadolinium is injected into patients undergoing MRI or MRA scans.
If any of your family or friends has undergone a gadolinium-assisted MRI or MRA scan, inform your physician immediately. Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy is a potentially fatal disease. The attorneys at Babbitt-Johnson provide free legal consultations concerning gadolinium and other pharmaceutical poisons.
It is imperative to consult a physician as soon as possible. Babbitt-Johnson attorneys, specializing in aprotinin and Trasylol cases, offer free legal consultations and advice on the best legal recourses.
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