Risk Factors for Immediate Adverse Events to Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCA)

Silvina P. Dutruel¹, Zhitong Zou¹, Martin R. Prince¹

After reviewing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database for immediate reactions due to Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) we analyzed more than 4500 cases excluding Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) occurring in the United States from January 2004 to March 2012. The peak age incidence was between 20-60 years. Interestingly, males had nearly twice the death rate of females even though they had fewer reported reactions (p<0.0001). Immediate adverse events showed a marked increase in reporting after the association between NSF and GBCA. Urticaria was the most symptom. Overall, reactions to GBCA are extremely rare but its safety could be enhanced being aware of some demographics parameters.