NSF Lawyer, NFD Lawyer
PULASKI & MIDDLEMAN CURRENTLY REPRESENTS CLIENTS FROM 9 STATES WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH NSF OR NFD. Our firm is currently prosecuting cases for both men and women across the country who suffer from NSF/ NFD.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is a progressive disorder which has only been seen in those with chronic kidney problems or impaired renal function. It is associated with scarring of the skin and connective tissue throughout the body, known as fibrosis. The skin thickens and becomes hard, rigid and coarse, which severely restricts movement of the joints. It can also lead to widespread fibrosis of other organs and in some cases lead to death.
NSF has been directly linked to gadolinium contrast injections which are given during MRI and MRA tests to assist the physicians in differentiating blood vessels from nearby tissue.
Gadolinium-containing contrast agents for MRI include:
- Omniscan (Gadodiamide, Manufacturer: GE Healthcare)
- OptiMARK (Gadoversetamide Injection, Manufacturer: Mallinckrodt/Tyco Healthcare)
- Magnevist (Gadopentetate Dimeglumine Injection, Manufacturer: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals/ Schering AG/Berlex)
- ProHance (Gadoteridol Injection, Manufacturer: Bracco Diagnostics)
- MultiHance (Gadobenate Dimeglumine, Manufacturer: Bracco Diagnostics)
As discussed, NSF/ NFD has thus far only been observed in patients with kidney disease or renal dysfunction. Other signs of NSF/NFD also include:
- Burning
- Itching
- Swelling
- Hardening and tightening of the skin
- Red or dark patches on the skin
- Yellow spots on the whites of the eyes
- Stiffness in joints and trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Pain deep in the hip bones or ribs
- Muscle weakness
Often times, people diagnosed with NSF become dependent on a wheelchair within a few weeks of the disease onset. In some cases, Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis also effects the lungs, heart, diaphragm, esophagus, skeletal muscle and other tissues.
There are over 300 reported cases of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis worldwide. However, we feel there may be hundreds of other cases that have not been reported or that have not yet been diagnosed. Nearly all of those individuals diagnosed received a gadolinium based contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) between two days and 18 months before the onset of problems. The disorder is not well understood, and NSF research is continuing to obtain better information about how gadolinium contrasts cause the condition. There are currently no NSF treatments which are consistently effective, but some therapies have lead to improvement for some sufferers.
At Pulaski & Middleman, we are representing innocent victims suffering from Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of these gadolinium contrasts for failing to properly research their product or warn of these risks. We understand the problems that this condition can cause not only for those who are diagnosed, but also for their family members. Our clients concerns remain our number one priority. In addition, we will fight for change in the industry and push for stronger FDA warnings so that the public will be well informed before undergoing scans with contrast.
We will continue to investigate the effects of NSF and its origin. In addition, we will be reviewing any and all internal manufacturer’s documents that the court allows us access to.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with NSF/NFD, please complete our contact form or call a Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis attorney toll-free at 800-BAD-DRUG or 800-223-3784.
