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Recent Blog Posts in September 2009 |
| September 28, 2009 |
| Lower Leg Skin Symptoms Can Distinguish Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) From Other Fibrosing Disorders |
| Posted By DeCarli Law |
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Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), can be difficult to distinguish from other fibrosing skin disorders. However, according to a recent study, a prevalence of skin symptoms on the lower legs, at least in late stages of the disease, can set NSF/NFD apart.
A Danish study looked at 17 patients with NSF late in the disease. All but one of them had skin symptoms of various sorts, and all of those had skin symptoms on their lower legs. Six had symptoms only on their lower legs, while 3 others had symptoms on both their lower legs and thighs. The remaining 7 had skin symptoms on their arms or fingers in addition to their lower legs. Additionally, all 16 had some loss of hair on the affected areas of their skin.
The study observed that the prevalence of skin symptoms on the lower legs tends to distinguish NSF/NFD from other disorders that involve fibrosing of the skin, such as scleromyxedema and morphea/scleroderma. Morphea/scleroderma usually begins on the trunk and then spreads to all limbs. Scleromyxedema usually involves the head and neck, which was not the case for any of the participants in the Danish study. The entire article reporting the results of this study was reprinted in the February 2009 issue of Archives of Dermatology, an American Medical Association publication, and may be obtained HERE.
While this study indicates a prevalence of skin symptoms on the lower legs, it is important to note that the participants in the study all had late stages of NSF. Skin symptoms have been known to appear first on the hands, wrists and forearms rather than on the lower legs. Skin symptoms include swelling, thickening and tightening of the skin. The skin often feels hard, "woody" or "leathery," and can have an orange peel consistency.
The only people who have contracted NSF/NFD are those who have been injected with a gadolinium-based contrast agent in conjunction with an MRI or other medical scan. Those most at risk are dialysis patients, and patients with partial or total renal (kidney) failure, liver disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
If you have NSF/NFD, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer of the gadolinium-based contrast agent that caused your injury. You may contact DeCarli Law for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and options. You also can learn more about gadolinium-based contrast agents HERE, and about nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) HERE.
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| Continue reading "Lower Leg Skin Symptoms Can Distinguish Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) From Other Fibrosing Disorders" » |
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| September 25, 2009 |
| Skin Symptoms Vary Widely for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) |
| Posted By DeCarli Law |
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The most common symptom of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a thickening and hardening of the skin, usually on the lower legs or forearms. However, not all people have the same skin symptoms, especially in late stages of the disease.
A recent study that appeared in Archives of Dermatology, an American Medical Association publication, examined 17 patients with NSF late in the disease. Bangsgaard, et al., “Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis; Late Skin Manifestations,” Arch Dermatol. 2009; 145(2):183-187. Complete article available HERE.
All patients showed epidermal atrophy and hairlessness of the affected regions of the skin, primarily on the lower legs. However, the appearance of these skin symptoms varied widely. In most cases, there was thickening and hardening of the skin, as shown in the picture below on the left. But a few of the patients’ skin was wrinkled and “redundant,” as shown in the picture below on the right.
The study also observed that the appearance of skin symptoms could change as the disease progressed. Three patients with NSF had previously shown thickening of the skin. During the next two years, it changed to wrinkled, redundant skin.
As this study makes clear, the appearance of NSF skin symptoms can vary greatly. NSF can only be definitively diagnosed with a deep tissue skin biopsy. A dermatologist should be consulted for this purpose.
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| Continue reading "Skin Symptoms Vary Widely for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)" » |
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| September 22, 2009 |
| Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: A Frequently Undiagnosed and Misdiagnosed Disease |
| Posted By Bob DeCarli |
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Because nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), is a new disease, it is often misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed. Even worse, dialysis patients and others with impaired kidney function -- those most at risk of developing NSF -- are still receiving MRIs with gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Debra DeCarli was interviewed about this problem for a recent article:
“A lot of people are unaware of this disease,” says DeCarli. “As well, many doctors don't recognize it and don't do a biopsy that is necessary to make the diagnosis.” However, DeCarli says there has been an increase in the last 18 months on continuing education programs for the medical community that addresses NSF. Still, she believes NSF is a widely underreported disease for several reasons.
“People on dialysis have problems anyway and people who get MRIs already have health issues,” DeCarli explains. “As well, I am finding that a lot of people in their 40s or 50s who see a doctor for leathery skin and joint pain [classic symptoms of NSF] and the doctor attributes their problems to simply growing old. Quite often, they are misdiagnosed with rheumatism or arthritis: in fact, one of the foremost NSF experts in the country is a rheumatologist.”
You can read the complete article here. You may also read more about NSF on our website.
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| Continue reading "Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: A Frequently Undiagnosed and Misdiagnosed Disease" » |
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| September 17, 2009 |
| Welcome |
| Posted By DeCarli Law |
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Welcome to DeCarli Law. We launch this blog with the commitment to provide up-to-date information about the latest warnings and recalls about dangerous drugs, as well as other medical and legal news that affects American consumers.
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| Continue reading "Welcome " » |
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