Kidney Transplants and Scleromyxedema

Tell Us about your case

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zipcode:

Phone:

() -

Work Phone:

() -

Mobile Phone:

() -

E-mail Address:

Have you been diagnosed with NSF (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) or NFD (nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy)?

Yes No

When and where was the diagnosis made?

When did your problems start?

Describe your symptoms and how they developed.

Did you have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) scan done before your symptoms began?

Yes No

Where and when was the scan (or were the scans if more than one) done?

Did you have kidney failure, kidney function deficiency, or other kidney problems at the time the scan (or scans) were done?

Yes No

Describe the kidney problems you had.

Kidney Transplants and Scleromyxedema

A 2002 study by the Center for Disease Control reveals some very disturbing information regarding the outcome of a number of kidney transplants. Specifically, from 1997 - 2000, in 265 kidney transplants 8 patients developed the fibrosing skin condition known as scleromyxedema. On the surface, this does not seem like a serious condition. However, closer examination reveals that there are a number of problems one must contend with when a kidney transplant results in scleromyxedema.

The surface level problem of the condition is that the yields a number of unsightly skin lesions. These lesions can cover a significant amount of the surface of the skin and can prove significantly difficult to reduce. While no one wants to deal with a condition that alters appearance, these problems can at least be dealt with in any number of cosmetic ways. The physical problems associated with this condition, however, are not so very simple to deal with.

And, yes, there are a number of physical ailments that are inherent with the onset of scleromyxedema. In particular, the condition begets the tightening of the skin which can effectively limit mobility, reduce physical movement, and even yield a number of painful contractions. (Several drawings of the neurological effects of this problem have been produced by the University of Washington at St. Louis and they clearly show the severity of the problem) This is why it is critical for physicians to understand the warning signs that a patient may be susceptible to developing this problem. This includes reviewing medical records for any red flags that would indicate the patient is at risk for this condition.

When a doctor fails in this regard and the skin condition develops, there may be a strong case for medical malpractice. This is because the doctor did not either perform the proper preliminary steps in order to ascertain whether or not the patient was an imminent risk or if the doctor was not qualified to make such an assessment. Either way, this would indicate a level of negligence on the part of a doctor and hospital.

Now, some may not see the need for filing in medical malpractice lawsuit in the aftermath of a flawed kidney transplant that led to a skin disorder. This is because they are not looking at the totality of the problems associated with limited physical mobility. Such problems can make it very difficult for person to work and can lead to additional financial strains due to medical costs. Therefore, it would make perfect sense that someone who develops this condition as a result of malpractice would seek financial remedy.

SOURCES:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5102a1.htm
http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/pathol/scleromyxedema.htm

© 2002-2013 All rights reserved. Monheit Law, P.C. - Philadelphia PA Gadolinium NSF Law Firm.
Location: 1368 Barrowdale Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. 215-840-6573.

Personal Injury Attorney Disclaimer: This website provides general information about Pennsylvania Gadolinium NSF lawsuits and other legal information. Nothing on this site is intended to be legal advice. The materials on this site may be considered advertising. Nothing on this site constitutes the formation of an attorney client relationship. This website is not intended to solicit clients outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In order to discuss representation, we must personally speak with you and enter into a signed, written agreement for representation. By utilizing this site, you agree to the foregoing.