Clinical characteristics of three cases with calciphylaxis

Abstract

Key words：calciphylaxis, end-stage renal disease, warfarin, vitamin K 〈Abstract〉 Calciphylaxis is a rare but fatal disorder characterized by systemic medial calcification of the small arteries and ischemia of the subcutaneous tissues, often leading to necrosis of the subcutaneous fat and skin. This condition most commonly affects patients with end-stage renal disease （ESRD）and the pathogenesis is poorly understood. At present, there is no established treatment. We recently encountered three cases of calciphylaxis. The first case involved a 66-year-old man with ESRD who had been maintained on peritoneal dialysis(PD）for 7 years. The patient was admitted with painful ulcers on his thighs, hip, waist and wrists. Skin biopsies demonstrated calciphylaxis. Treatment with bisphosphonate and sodium thiosulfate hydrate had no effect and he died of peritonitis and DIC soon after admission. The second case involved a 53-year-old woman with ESRD who had