Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis--a rapidly progressive disabling disease with limited therapeutic options

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) affects some patients on dialysis after gadolinium contrast agent-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. It is characterized by progressive skin fibrosis of the extremities, sometimes including the trunk and internal organs.

The clinical course of 10 patients with biopsy-proven NSF was analyzed retrospectively with regard to gadolinium exposition, disease onset, and progression of NSF with special emphasis on physical mobility and impact of different therapeutic approaches.

Despite physiotherapy and different additional therapeutic approaches (eg, immunosuppression, ultraviolet A-1 phototherapy, or extracorporal photopheresis) all patients developed progressive skin fibrosis of the lower extremities, sometimes including the trunk and arms. Kidney transplantation led to a slow improvement of skin lesions in one patient. Nine patients developed progressive joint contractures, and 8 patients became wheelchair bound within 12 months after disease onset and became dependent on the support of family members or a nursing service.

Retrospective analysis in a relatively small number of patients is a limitation.

NSF appears to be a rapidly progressive disabling disease with limited therapeutic options.