| Rapamycin a Possible Treatment for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) |
The immunosuppressant drug
rapamycin, also known as
sirolimus, may help improve the symptoms of
nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), according to a Case Report published in the February 2010 Journal of the
American Academy of Dermatology.
NSF is a fibrosing disorder caused by the use of
gadolinium-based contrast agents on patients with impaired kidney (renal) function. Some
NSF patients have seen a slowing of the progression of the disease, or even improvement, after kidney transplants. The Case Report indicates that the improvement may result from the immunosuppressant drugs used as part of the transplant procedure.
The Case Report notes that rapamycin targets a protein related to another protein found in the fibrocytes associated with
NSF. An
NSF patient was treated with rapamycin, and after three weeks, experienced a “dramatic” decrease of the swelling, hardening and pain in his lower legs. A complete copy of the Case Report may be obtained
HERE
.
Because there is still no cure for
NSF, another possible treatment is welcome news, complementing other
NSF treatment options. NSF treatments are still experimental and expensive. If you or someone you know has
NSF, you may have a legal claim. Contact the NSF attorneys/MRI lawyers at DeCarli Law for a free, no-obligation consultation, to learn more about your legal rights and the possibility of receiving compensation for your injury.
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