Advanced Medical Technology Causes New Disease
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a drug safety alert that documents the creation of a new disease that is caused by the use of advanced medical technology. The disease, known curently as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD), affects people with existing renal pathology and results from use of Gadolinium-containing contrast agents used in procedures called Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA).
I have already documented my views on the inappropriateness of most uses of high-technology in medical practice. Consider the Real Price of Medical Technology for example. Now we again have a situation unfolding where the technology used to assist with diagnosis is actually causing disease and death. This is a widespread problem and is not simply confined to this latest finding. Here is the FDA release.