June 8, 2006--The FDA learned of 25 cases of NSF/NFD in patients with kidney failure who received Omniscan®, a gadolinium-containing contrast agent, and took the MRA test. The FDA is actively investigating whether exposure to a gadolinium-contrast agent for MRA is associated with the development of NSF/NFD. While FDA conducts its investigation, the following recommendations were provided to health care providers and patients: Gadolinium-containing contrast agents, especially at high doses, should be used only if clearly necessary in patients with advanced kidney failure (those currently requiring dialysis or with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) = 15 cc/min or less).
It may be prudent to institute prompt dialysis in patients with advanced kidney dysfunction who receive a gadolinium contrast MRA.
(Out of date but still valid as to what led to the recent FDA warning)
Source: Public Health Advisory: Gadolinium-containing Contrast Agents
