Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
This website was created to help patients, families and friends with up-to-date information about nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). We have the latest information on NSF, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. We have also gathered vital information on coping with the personal and financial effects of NSF, which may be difficult to deal with without the proper preparation.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) is a rare and serious syndrome that involves fibrosis of skin, joints, eyes, and internal organs. Its cause are not fully understood, but it seems to be associated with exposure to gadolinium (which is frequently used as a contrast agent for MRIs and MRAs) in patients with severe kidney failure. It does not have a genetic basis.
NSF is a rare disease and is therefore often either not diagnosed for a long period of time or misdiagnosed. Scleroderma or other skin problems are common misdiagnoses. Once the disease is diagnosed it is very important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible as the effects of the disease can be signficant. An important part of prevention is early recognition and early treatment. This is essential to limiting the full impact of NSF. For more information see the Treatment Options section. In our Financial Assistance section, we discuss how patients and their families may be helped with medical bills and financial concerns. Because NSF has been linked to the gadolinium dye used in MRI’s in patients with renal / kidney problems, see our Causes Section to fully understand what the relationship is between an MRI using a gadolinium contrast, kidney problems and NSF.
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