Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
04:37
Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis
Published on: April 25, 2025
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a review
Amy Y-Y Chen1, Matthew J Zirwas, Michael P Heffernan
1Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Dayton, OH 45408, USA. ayyen@alum.mit.edu
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
|August 4, 2010
Summary
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a serious disease linked to gadolinium contrast agents in patients with kidney problems. Early suspicion and diagnosis are crucial for managing this debilitating condition.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is an emerging systemic fibrotic disease.
- NSF predominantly affects patients with severe renal insufficiency.
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are implicated in NSF onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).
- To cover epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of NSF.
- To emphasize clinical suspicion in at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NSF.
- Synthesis of data on epidemiology and pathogenesis.
- Compilation of clinical, diagnostic, and histopathological findings.
Main Results:
- NSF is strongly associated with GBCA exposure in renal impairment.
- Clinical manifestations include skin thickening, joint stiffness, and potential organ involvement.
- Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion, history of GBCA exposure, and characteristic biopsy findings.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for NSF in susceptible patients.
- Prompt recognition and management are vital for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into prevention and treatment strategies is warranted.
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...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
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...
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...
01:29Acute 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...