Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
07:38
Induction of Nephrotic Syndrome in Mice by Retrobulbar Injection of Doxorubicin and Prevention of Volume Retention by Sustained Release Aprotinin
Published on: May 6, 2018
Gadolinium and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: association or causation
Jagadeesh Kurtkoti1, Thomas Snow, Balaji Hiremagalur
1Department of Nephrology, Gold Coast Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.)
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Gadolinium contrast agents are increasingly used in MRI for patients with kidney problems. However, evidence suggests a link between gadolinium exposure and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in severe renal failure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) commonly uses gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for patients with renal impairment.
- Concerns exist regarding GBCAs due to reports of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD)/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the causal link between gadolinium exposure and NSF.
- To evaluate the association using Bradford Hill's epidemiological criteria.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and case reports.
- Application of Bradford Hill's criteria for causality assessment.
Main Results:
- Current evidence strongly implicates gadolinium as a potential cause of NSF in severe renal failure.
- Gadolinium is considered a suspect etiological agent for NSF.
Conclusions:
- A cautious approach is warranted when using GBCAs in patients with severe renal failure (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
- Further investigation is needed to definitively establish the causal link.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
01:10Nephrons
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...