What Is Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy/Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis?
Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) is an acquired disorder found in patients with renal failure. The disorder is also known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). This disorder causes fibrotic nodules and plaques to develop on the skin. Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy or Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis can also lead to limited range of motion, due to tightening of the skin and impaired joints. For a while, the cause of NFD/NSF was unknown and there was speculation that antiphospholipid or anticardiolipin antibodies were possible culprits. It was thought that they might react to a substance in the dialysis procedure. The disorder has now been linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI studies of patients with renal failure.
