Calciphylaxis - Symptoms & Treatment

Calciphylaxis is an unusual and uncommon deadly condition which is characterized by necrosis (cellular death) of the skin and fatty tissue. It is mostly affect to the patient in the end stage of kidney illness. In 1981, almost 50 cases of calciphlaxis were reported in the world literature. Today, the occurrence is estimated at 1 percent per year in patients undergoing dialysis. The mortality is enormously high, up to 80%, often within several months of onset.

Calciphylaxis is one of some types of more osseous calcification (which also include intimal, medial, and valvular calcifications) that may occur in patients with finish stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditionally, it has been classified as metastatic calcification indicating inactive mineralization of serum calcium and phosphate crystals. A systemic review revealed 36 cases of nonuremic causes of calciphylaxis, and the most general cause reported is main hyperparathyroidism.

Causes of Calciphylaxis and Risk Factor

The main cause of death is from secondary infection of the ulcers, moreover sepsis. Calciphylaxis is not uncommon. The pathogenesis of Calciphylaxis remains unclear as it differs from intima-based general atherosclerosis and additional vascular calcium-phosphate deposits in organs such as the skin in Calcinosis cutis are not comprised. Some causes & risk factors of Calciphylaxis are as follows:

• Obesity and Diabetes.
• Weight loss.
• Kidney transplant.
• Calcification in blood vessels.
• Hyperparathyroidism.
• Use of corticosteroids.
• Aluminum toxicity, iron dextran infusion may theoretically cause calciphylaxis.

Symptoms of Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis is a perilous disease due to deposition of calcium form blood vessels into the skin (process known as calcification) which can lead to hypersensitivity. It consequences in painful skin ulcers, a few skin infections and organ failures, itching and burning sensation, bleeding from the affected area, some purple other red colored lesions on trunks, abdomen, buttocks other thighs. Some sign and symptoms related to Calciphylaxis are as follows:

• It may develop fluid.
• Patient may have Calcification of arterioles.
• Red papules, plaques, other nodules occurs in this illness.

Treatment of Calciphylaxis

• Medical treatment is really needed.
• Hyperbaric oxygen is also helpful.
• Hyperparathyroidism may occur even after surgery.
  
• Drug like Cinacalcet is prescribed as useful for this disease.
  
• Anticoagulation therapy is used to care for the patients with protein C and protein S deficiencies.