Calciphylaxis – Introduction

Calciphylaxis – Introduction

Calciphylaxis is a severe and complex syndrome involving vascular calcification, thrombosis, and skin necrosis. Although the condition is relatively rare, occurring almost exclusively in patients with advanced (Stage 5) chronic kidney disease (CKD), it can often be fatal. In fact, mortality rates higher than 50 percent are reported within one year of diagnosis, mostly due…

Calciphylaxis – Wrap Up

Another topic covered – and another quiz! In the latest short series of articles we have taken a brief look at the devastating condition known as calciphylaxis. Calciphylaxis is a condition that occurs predominantly in individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease, leading to vascular calcification, thrombosis, and skin necrosis. Lack of Treatment Options The pathophysiology…

Calciphylaxis – Diagnosis and Management

As we have seen in previous weeks, calciphylaxis is a severe and complex syndrome involving vascular calcification, thrombosis, and skin necrosis. Calciphylaxis occurs almost exclusively in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), and has a dismal mortality rate of around 80 percent (with a 1-year mortality greater than 50 percent).(1) No Evidence-Based Medical Treatments…

Pathogenesis of Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis, a rare condition involving subcutaneous vascular calcification and cutaneous necrosis, is most commonly seen in patients with renal failure where it has a dismal mortality rate of up to 80 percent.(1) Calciphylaxis is a complex disorder associated with multiple histologic abnormalities and a multifactorial etiology.(1-3)  The exact pathogenesis of the condition is unclear, and…