26/03/2021
Calciphylaxis is a rare disease that results from calcium clotting small blood vessels of the skin and fat.
The calcium clots in calciphylaxis block blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes very painful and dies, causing wounds with firm black scabs. Calciphylaxis most commonly occurs in those with severe kidney disease, or those taking the blood thinner warfarin. It can also occur if the parathyroid gland is too active, and it has been seen with some cancers. Calciphylaxis is more common in women and in patients who are obese, have diabetes or liver disease, or are taking a steroid medication.
Symptoms
The most striking symptom of calciphylaxis is extreme pain that may be difficult to control despite a high dose of pain killers. The eruption starts with a faint purple lace-like rash. It typically involves the lower legs, thighs, hips, and abdomen but may not involve all of these areas. Over time, the skin develops wounds with large, firm, black scabs. These wounds are slow to heal and may develop infection, which may spread to the blood.
Treatment
Calciphylaxis is a serious, sometimes life-threatening skin disease that is difficult to treat. A team of health care professionals including kidney, skin, surgical, and pain specialists will coordinate your care. A drug called sodium thiosulfate is sometimes injected directly into the blood, and this may gradually halt the disease process, reducing pain and preventing new ulcers from forming.