Other than research we have done, there has been very little published research that specifically investigates and documents the impact of retained Gadolinium from contrast-enhanced MRIs on patients with normal renal function.

Nonetheless, there is a wealth of medical research that is relevant to understanding Gadolinium Toxicity.  The Background Section contains detailed information related to Gadolinium, GBCAs (Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents), NSF (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis), and Risk Factors for Gadolinium retention.  The Medical Research Section provides additional highlights.

Understandably, much of the earlier research was focused on patients with severe renal impairment who likely retained large amounts of Gadolinium.  However, it is now time to determine the long-term effects of Gadolinium retention in all patient populations.

Through research, much has been learned, but there are still many unanswered questions.  What symptoms might occur when less Gadolinium is retained by the patient, such as might happen to someone with normal kidney function?  And what if the patient does not present with any “visible” evidence of a problem such as NSF-like skin changes?  What can be done to evaluate patients for other symptoms of Gadolinium Toxicity that are not visible on their skin?

Up until now, the previously reported findings of Gadolinium retention in animals and patients with normal kidney function seem to have been overlooked.  It is imperative to learn what long-term effects varying amounts of retained Gadolinium might produce in all patients exposed to Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents.  Professional research is essential to gaining recognition of Gadolinium Toxicity as a serious medical condition.

The following question was posed to the FDA in October of 2012.  Since we are talking about needed research, it seems appropriate to ask it again now.

If you only look at one specific patient population such as the renally-impaired, for predominantly one specific disease symptom like skin changes, how would you ever expect to know with any certainty whether or not other patient populations are also being harmed by GBCAs?

While our Wish List contains specific information about research we would like to see conducted, it is not the only research that needs to be performed.