Improved protocols for contrast agents eliminates new cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

A recent study shows how one medical center implemented strict protocols for administering gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) before imaging and eliminated new cases for nephrogenic system fibrosis (NSF).

Implementing this protocol is particularly important for patients with diminished kidney function says Dr. Ozden Narin, presenting author for this study. "In the past, we had some patients who developed NSF after they were given a gadolinium-based agent before imaging. We implemented this new policy to see if we could make any change in preventing this condition," she says.

In a retrospective review of 52,954 contrast-enhanced MRIs at Massachusetts General Hospital during a 2.5-year period after this protocol was enforced, no new cases of NSF were identified. After analyzing the results from this study and recognizing that this protocol is indeed effective for preventing NSF, Dr. Narin is hopeful that this procedure will continue to make a difference at her institution and other medical centers. She says, "Now, we only use GBCAs in patients with decreased kidney function in emergent cases and we have procedures in place to pay special attention to those patients and to take all the necessary precautions."

Dr. Narin will deliver a presentation on this study on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at the 2011 ARRS Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.