In the January 8, 2019 edition of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) News, Drs. Hansel J. Otero and Aashim Bhatia address parental concerns about the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in children. They recognize that certain risks exist and that public awareness and parental concerns have increased as more information becomes available regarding gadolinium retention and accumulation in the brains of children. The report reiterates what has been recently discovered - that linear GBCAs are more likely to deposit within the brain and other organs as compared to macrocyclic GBCAs.

Drs. Otero and Bhatia recommend that MRIs with gadolinium be administered judiciously and only when necessary. Potential risks must be weighed against the benefits and every patient’s exam should be tailored accordingly. They also suggest that radiologists use the safer agents and brands.

Recent trends show a decrease in the use of GBCAs for the evaluation of first-time headache and seizure as well as in those patients who are expected to need multiple follow-up MRIs such as those with chronic neurological diseases.

Parents are encouraged to ask their pediatrician questions when an MRI is ordered for their child and should contact their local radiologist when they have concerns.

To read the full article: http://www.aappublications.org/news/2019/01/08/mricontrast010819

Please join the growing list of advocates and sign our petition so we can help promote the development of safer alternatives and effective treatments to remove gadolinium from patients affected by it.