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« European Health Agency to Label Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents as High-, Medium-, or Low-Risk for Causing NSF |
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Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Speed Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth
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A paper presented at the recent annual convention of the American Society of Hematology reported that exposure to the gadolinium-based contrast agent Omniscan, manufactured by GE Healthcare, speeds the growth of multiple myeloma cells.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the white blood cells. MRIs enhanced with gadolinium-based contrast agents are frequently used to image bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced. The researchers found that multiple myeloma cell growth rates were 8-20 times greater after exposure to Ominiscan, depending on the size and frequency of Omniscan exposure.
Significantly, autopsies of eight multiple myeloma patients who had repeated exposures to Omniscan revealed “massive quantities of gadolinium accumulation in tissues” regardless of renal function. This is particularly troubling. The current understanding is that people with impaired renal function are at the greatest risk of the gadolinium ion breaking free from the contrast agent and depositing in their bodies because their kidneys are unable to remove the agent from their bodies before it begins breaking down. These findings indicate that large amounts of gadolinium can be deposited in the body even if a person’s kidneys are functioning normally.
Gadolinium is a rare earth element long known to be toxic to human tissue. Gadolinium-based contrast agents, used for medical scans such as MRI and MRA, cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (“NSF”). NSF is a progressive, incurable disease characterized by hardening of the skin and other body tissues. Dialysis patients are most at risk of developing NSF. If you or someone you know has NSF, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer of the gadolinium-based contrast agent that caused the disease. Contract the NSF lawyers/MRI attorneys at DeCarli Law for a free consultation. |
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Posted By DeCarli Law on
January 06, 2010 10:35 am |
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