Gadolinium (Gd)

Blaurock-Busch An Evaluation and Update in International Journal of Oncology Research and Therapy

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCA) are intravenous drugs used in diagnostic imaging procedures to enhance the quality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). FDA alerts concerning potential side effects increased patient and medical concerns. More recent FDA information indicate that ionic gadolinium is released from some GBCAs, potentially causing gadolinium toxicity. We checked if gadolinium is excreted renally without intervention after previous administration of GBCAs, and if chelating agents are effective in removing gadolinium that may have remained in the body after GBCA administration. Through the evaluation of our internal database and the studies of others, we concluded that no clear consensus exists at this time. While the DTPAs may be the choice of chelators for the removal of gadolinium from the human body, further studies are needed to prove this. It seems clear, however, that microcyclic GBCAs provide a lesser risk of causing gadolinium retention and gadolinium toxicity symptoms.

Gadolinium In Medicine-An Evaluation and Update – SkepticMed Publishers

Brief Commentary
In regards to recent publications on Gadolinium deposition disease and chelation therapy, this updated comment seems warranted. The article Gadolinium in Medicine-An Evaluation and Update, published on Sept. 14.2020, evaluated Gadolinium-Based Contrasting Agents (GBCA) and the role of chelating agents in reducing gadolinium exposure. The effectiveness of various chelating agents in binding and excreting gadolinium after GBCA exposure were discussed. In-house data confirmed a 2018 statement by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) that gadolinium is renally eliminated without the use of chelating agents, and confirmed that chelation therapy does not affect gadolinium binding and excretion [1].

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Information on What You Should Know before the MRI

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/mri-magnetic-resonance-imaging/what-patients-should-know-having-mri-exam

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCA) are intravenous drugs used in diagnostic imaging procedures to enhance the quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Studies indicate that of all the GBCAs, the products Dotarem (Gadoterat-Meglumin), Gadavist (Gadobutrol) and ProHance (Gadoteridol) are less likely to be retained by the body, and therefore are less likely to cause health problems. 

Patients who have received GBCAs can use the following laboratory tests to evaluate their Gadolinium-status:

• Hair analysis reveals if Gd has been stored in body tissues. For this test, the GBCA-exposure has to be at least 4months ago.
• Urine analysis shows how much Gd is excreted. Gd is naturally eliminated by the body.  Urine tested soon after GBCA exposure shows much higher test values than urine tested weeks or months later.