Gadolinium and Dialysis Patients

Gadolinium is an element that is used in contrast agents for MRI scans to enhance the image produced. It helps to clarify features in the image so that doctors can better detect internal injuries and other problems within the patient. For many people, the gadolinium in contrast agents is not a significant health risk because the element is filtered out through the kidneys and excreted from the body. For individuals who have experienced renal or kidney failure, the gadolinium may not be so easily rid of and can accumulate in the body, causing severe health problems.

Gadolinium left in a patient's system can lead to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), which causes scarring and hardening of the skin and organs. This can restrict a patient's movements over time, possibly even leading to wheelchair dependency or death from internal organ failure. Because gadolinium is known to be especially dangerous for patients with renal failure, doctors should proceed carefully and consider all alternatives before conducting an MRI. If an MRI is necessary, the FDA suggests that dialysis, or flushing of water and waste from the body, be performed immediately after testing is complete. This will ensure that the gadolinium is flushed from the body as fast as possible so that the patient's risk is minimized.

Doctors who wish to conduct an MRI have a responsibility to check the patient's medical history to evaluate the level of risk for the patient. An individual has a right to be informed of the intended procedure and to decline having an MRI done if he or she wishes. If you were given an MRI even after your doctor knew of a poor kidney condition, your physician may be liable for any injuries that resulted from your gadolinium exposure. Likewise, he or she may also be liable if you were not properly informed of the procedure and its risks, or your refusal was disregarded.

Contact Us

If you have suffered from gadolinium exposure because of medical malpractice, consider contacting an attorney immediately. Your physician may be responsible for your resulting illness and you may be entitled to compensation. For sound legal advice and assistance with initiating a lawsuit for compensation, contact the gadolinium lawyers of Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187.