Calciphylaxis or calcific uremic arteriolopathy is a complex syndrome which causes vascular calcification and skin necrosis.
It is characterised by the presence of calcification of the arteries and soft tissues and it causes skin necrosis resulting in ulcer formation. Clinical markers include altered sensations on the skin and mottled skin lesions, plaques and nodules which can lead to painful necrotic ulcers.
Disorders that are most often implicated in the pathogenesis of calciphylaxis include chronic renal failure, obesity, diabetes, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphotaemia, an elevated calciumphosphate product and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
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A joint initiative of the Patient Services Section and the Drug and Therapeutics Information Service of the Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia. The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin is distributed in electronic format on a weekly basis, and aims to present concise, factual information on issues of current interest in therapeutics, drug safety and cost-effective use of medications.
Editor: Assoc. Prof. Chris Alderman, University of South Australia – Director of Pharmacy, RGH © Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia 5041.
