Renal transplantation for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare fibrosing disorder described among patients with renal disease. Currently, no standard therapy exists, although therapeutic modalities have included plasmapheresis, extracorporeal photopheresis, sodium thiosulphate, imatinib and renal transplantation. We describe a patient with NSF who was physically debilitated and underwent renal transplantation. After transplantation, the patient's lesions improved clinically, and the patient was ambulatory. Despite developing worsening renal function, her lesions remained unchanged. We conclude that renal transplantation improves symptoms of NSF, and believe that in patients with NSF, careful consideration should be made for early renal transplantation. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.