Risk Factors
The highest risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis has been identified in people with impaired kidney functions. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is the inability to remove the gadolinium-containing contrast agent from the bloodstream. Thus, the condition is prevalent amongst people with:
— advanced kidney disease (not mild ones).
— acute kidney injury.
— undergone a kidney transplant and still have a dysfunctional kidney.
— a single kidney.
— a history of kidney surgery.
An increased risk for NSF has been linked to patients with hypertension, or diabetes. Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis also run a high risk of the disease. [3]
