The link between the contrast dye gadolinium used in MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRAs (magnetic resonance angiography) and the often fatal diseases NSF and NFD continue to be investigated by the medical and legal community. For the current status on investigations and litigation, we asked Benjamin Locklar, an Alabama attorney whose practice represents clients injured by drugs such as gadolinium.

Current status of investigations

Locklar says that, while new information is frequently being published about the link between gadolinium and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), he thinks that “[I]t’s pretty fair to say that, at this point in time, the problem has been identified. In other words, we now know that gadolinium is causing the NSF and NFD.”

NSF and NFD were only identified about 10 years ago. Locklar explained, “Doctors began to notice that some patients were having skin disorders that thickened or hardened the skin. It was originally thought to be another type of dermatological disorder, but they found that some of the biomarkers were not consistent with what they had seen in the past. In the late 1990s, a connection was made between dialysis patients and NSF / NFD. That started the ball rolling and doctors wondered why dialysis patients were having this condition that was typically fatal.”

Current status of litigation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on gadolinium last year. This type of warning is serious; it warns of the product’s dangers – literally in a large black box on the product itself. After the warning was issued, litigation stemming from gadolinium injuries seemed to increase. Locklar explained:

There are a small number of cases filed so far – including an MDL (multi-district litigation) that has been established in the Northern District of Ohio. There are also cases being filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, where the Vioxx litigation and some of the Bextra and Celebrex litigation has been pending. We’re looking at those two venues, in addition to some state court venues and other possible defendants to include.

There are a couple of issues [with gadolinium litigation]. One is that we have to identify the injury. We’re primarily looking at the NSF and NFD type cases. Even if people have the skin disorder, I’m told that a biopsy will be needed to confirm this. However, if you have one of these injures and had received a gadolinium contrast agent, then I think causation is pretty clear.

If you or a loved one was given gadolinium and would like to discuss your situation with a qualified attorney whose practice focuses in this area of law, please click here. Consultations are free, without obligation and strictly confidential.