Calciphylaxis

Updated: April 17, 2024

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Background

Although it does occasionally appear in patients with acute kidney failure normal kidney function or early stages of chronic kidney failure (CKD) calciphylaxis is an unusual but deadly illness that is most frequently seen in those with end-stage renal dysfunction (calciphylaxis non-uremic). 

Its symptoms include sore skin lesions brought on by cutaneous (skin and subcutis) arteriolar calcification that results in ischemic injury and infarction also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy. 

Due to the extreme pain, unhealed wounds, and recurrent hospitalizations associated with calciphylaxis, there is significant morbidity. Considering one-year mortality rates of more than 50 percent, it is a very lethal illness that is typically brought on by sepsis.

Epidemiology

Even while calciphylaxis can manifest without kidney disease, patients with severe renal failure account for the majority of occurrences. Between 0.04 percent and 4 percent of patients who are on dialysis experience calciphylaxis and over the past ten years the prevalence has seen to be increase. 

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

Usually, calcification (hardening) of the medial stratum of arterioles and minor arteries causes calciphylaxis. Endothelial damage and the development of microthrombi further restrict blood flow, causing luminal constriction and obstruction. These alterations result in ulceration or necrosis and ischemia of the tissue. 

It is still unclear what causes calciphylaxis and how it develops, but many different things probably contribute to the medial calcified of arterioles. The onset of calciphylaxis has been linked to increased phosphate x calcium mixture and elevated PTH (parathyroid hormone) production and injection of active D vitamins. 

However, in just about all patients, alterations of these bone-mineral indicators (BMD) are usually insufficient to independently produce calciphylaxis. In dialysis patients & changes in BMD occur often. But the majority do not experience calciphylaxis. Additionally calcium, phosphorus and PTH levels can all be normal and still experience calciphylaxis. 

The development of calciphylaxis may be influenced by a deficit of vascular calcification (VC) inhibitors like alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (also known as fetuin-A) matrix G1a protein (a vitamin K-dependent protein) and osteoprotegerin. A glycoprotein called alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein may aid in preventing the calcification of soft tissue and blood vessels by binding phosphorus and calcium. Patients on dialysis have lower levels of fetuin-A. 

The matrix G1a protein depends on vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, which may help inhibit VC. The use of warfarin has been linked to an increased risk of developing calciphylaxis which could be due to the medication’s interference with the activation of matrix G1a which is dependent on vitamin K. 

Etiology

The following are risk factors and relationships for calciphylaxis: 

Demographic groups 

Caucasian ancestry 

Female gender 

Predisposing factors (Comorbidities) 

Renal disease 

Obese 

High blood glucose (Diabetes mellitus) 

Hypoalbuminaemia 

Antiphospholipid antibody disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases 

Hepatic disease 

Malignancy tumor 

Retro dialysis 

Medicines 

Corticosteroids 

Cholecalciferol 

Iron supplements 

Binders for phosphate made of calcium 

Anomalies in the axis between CKD and BMD 

High calcium level in your blood (Hypercalcaemia) 

Adynamic bone disease (ABD) 

High concentration of parathyroid hormone (Hyperparathyroidism) 

High serum phosphate levels (Hyperphosphatemia) 

Hyper clotting Condition 

Tissue damage brought on by subcutaneous infusions of substances like insulin 

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

The prognosis for calciphylaxis is dismal, with one-year mortalities ranging from 45 percent to 80 percent, and treatment effectiveness is likewise subpar. 

Patients who have ulcerated areas are more likely than others to have an infection, being the leading risk factor for death. 

Clinical History

Age Group:  

The age group most affected by calciphylaxis tends to be older adults, particularly those over the age of 60.  

Physical Examination

Pain Assessment 

Skin Temperature and Texture 

Signs of Infection 

Systemic Signs 

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Calciphylaxis is strongly associated with ESRD particularly in patients undergoing dialysis. The disrupted calcium and phosphate metabolism in ESRD increases the risk of calcification of small blood vessels, leading to calciphylaxis. 

Even before reaching the stage of ESRD individuals with CKD may have disturbances in mineral metabolism that predispose them to calciphylaxis. 

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

The degree of presentation in the calciphylaxis can vary greatly from a slow beginning to abrupt and severe symptoms. The illness usually shows up as painful skin lesions which may start out as small sensitive patches or nodules.  
Many factors influence the severity of presentation such as the extent of calcification the underlying comorbidities and the timely identification and treatment. 

Differential Diagnoses

Cutaneous vasculitis 

Pyoderma gangrenosum 

Venous stasis ulcers 

Pressure ulcers 

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

The control of risk factors and early detection are essential components of calciphylaxis therapy.  

Optimising renal function and providing adequate wound care are crucial.  

One of the major treatments is sodium thiosulfate which lowers tissue calcification by chelating calcium. 

Adjuvant therapy is significant in management of calciphylaxis. 

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

use-of-non-pharmacological-approach-for-calciphylaxis

Temperature Control: People who have calciphylaxis should keep their room at a suitable temperature since too high or too low of a temperature might make their pain and suffering worse.
Pressure Redistribution: People who have calciphylaxis may be more susceptible to pressure ulcers especially if their movement is restricted.
Mobility Support: Make sure that the surroundings are safe for those with restricted mobility. Hydration: Promote the individuals to follow proper hydration management. 

 

Use of Phosphate Binders

Calcium acetate: It is mostly used to treat hyperphosphatemia as a phosphate binder.  
The characteristics of calciphylaxis is the calcification of small blood arteries in the adipose and skin tissue which causes ulceration necrosis of the tissue and ischemia. 

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-calciphylaxis

Wound Excision: Surgical excision of the afflicted tissue may be required in situations of significant tissue necrosis or gangrene to remove non-viable tissue and stop the infection from spreading further.  
Skin transplantation: When there are significant tissue defects or regions of skin loss skin transplantation may be an option. Skin grafts can aid in the healing of open wounds or assist in conceal them and enhance the cosmetic results.  

use-of-phases-in-managing-calciphylaxis

Diagnosis: Use clinical evaluation and imaging lab investigations to assess symptoms.  
Acute Care: With pain management wound care and operations the focus is on minimizing suffering and managing adverse effects and stabilizing the patient’s condition. 
Wound Healing: To encourage healing and defend against infection keep up with wound care.  
 
Long-Term Management: To stop the condition from progressing and reoccurring implement medical therapy lifestyle modification and monitoring.  

Medication

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Calciphylaxis

Updated : April 17, 2024

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Although it does occasionally appear in patients with acute kidney failure normal kidney function or early stages of chronic kidney failure (CKD) calciphylaxis is an unusual but deadly illness that is most frequently seen in those with end-stage renal dysfunction (calciphylaxis non-uremic). 

Its symptoms include sore skin lesions brought on by cutaneous (skin and subcutis) arteriolar calcification that results in ischemic injury and infarction also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy. 

Due to the extreme pain, unhealed wounds, and recurrent hospitalizations associated with calciphylaxis, there is significant morbidity. Considering one-year mortality rates of more than 50 percent, it is a very lethal illness that is typically brought on by sepsis.

Even while calciphylaxis can manifest without kidney disease, patients with severe renal failure account for the majority of occurrences. Between 0.04 percent and 4 percent of patients who are on dialysis experience calciphylaxis and over the past ten years the prevalence has seen to be increase. 

Usually, calcification (hardening) of the medial stratum of arterioles and minor arteries causes calciphylaxis. Endothelial damage and the development of microthrombi further restrict blood flow, causing luminal constriction and obstruction. These alterations result in ulceration or necrosis and ischemia of the tissue. 

It is still unclear what causes calciphylaxis and how it develops, but many different things probably contribute to the medial calcified of arterioles. The onset of calciphylaxis has been linked to increased phosphate x calcium mixture and elevated PTH (parathyroid hormone) production and injection of active D vitamins. 

However, in just about all patients, alterations of these bone-mineral indicators (BMD) are usually insufficient to independently produce calciphylaxis. In dialysis patients & changes in BMD occur often. But the majority do not experience calciphylaxis. Additionally calcium, phosphorus and PTH levels can all be normal and still experience calciphylaxis. 

The development of calciphylaxis may be influenced by a deficit of vascular calcification (VC) inhibitors like alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (also known as fetuin-A) matrix G1a protein (a vitamin K-dependent protein) and osteoprotegerin. A glycoprotein called alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein may aid in preventing the calcification of soft tissue and blood vessels by binding phosphorus and calcium. Patients on dialysis have lower levels of fetuin-A. 

The matrix G1a protein depends on vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, which may help inhibit VC. The use of warfarin has been linked to an increased risk of developing calciphylaxis which could be due to the medication’s interference with the activation of matrix G1a which is dependent on vitamin K. 

The following are risk factors and relationships for calciphylaxis: 

Demographic groups 

Caucasian ancestry 

Female gender 

Predisposing factors (Comorbidities) 

Renal disease 

Obese 

High blood glucose (Diabetes mellitus) 

Hypoalbuminaemia 

Antiphospholipid antibody disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases 

Hepatic disease 

Malignancy tumor 

Retro dialysis 

Medicines 

Corticosteroids 

Cholecalciferol 

Iron supplements 

Binders for phosphate made of calcium 

Anomalies in the axis between CKD and BMD 

High calcium level in your blood (Hypercalcaemia) 

Adynamic bone disease (ABD) 

High concentration of parathyroid hormone (Hyperparathyroidism) 

High serum phosphate levels (Hyperphosphatemia) 

Hyper clotting Condition 

Tissue damage brought on by subcutaneous infusions of substances like insulin 

The prognosis for calciphylaxis is dismal, with one-year mortalities ranging from 45 percent to 80 percent, and treatment effectiveness is likewise subpar. 

Patients who have ulcerated areas are more likely than others to have an infection, being the leading risk factor for death. 

Age Group:  

The age group most affected by calciphylaxis tends to be older adults, particularly those over the age of 60.  

Pain Assessment 

Skin Temperature and Texture 

Signs of Infection 

Systemic Signs 

Calciphylaxis is strongly associated with ESRD particularly in patients undergoing dialysis. The disrupted calcium and phosphate metabolism in ESRD increases the risk of calcification of small blood vessels, leading to calciphylaxis. 

Even before reaching the stage of ESRD individuals with CKD may have disturbances in mineral metabolism that predispose them to calciphylaxis. 

The degree of presentation in the calciphylaxis can vary greatly from a slow beginning to abrupt and severe symptoms. The illness usually shows up as painful skin lesions which may start out as small sensitive patches or nodules.  
Many factors influence the severity of presentation such as the extent of calcification the underlying comorbidities and the timely identification and treatment. 

Cutaneous vasculitis 

Pyoderma gangrenosum 

Venous stasis ulcers 

Pressure ulcers 

The control of risk factors and early detection are essential components of calciphylaxis therapy.  

Optimising renal function and providing adequate wound care are crucial.  

One of the major treatments is sodium thiosulfate which lowers tissue calcification by chelating calcium. 

Adjuvant therapy is significant in management of calciphylaxis. 

Dermatology, General

Nutrition

Temperature Control: People who have calciphylaxis should keep their room at a suitable temperature since too high or too low of a temperature might make their pain and suffering worse.
Pressure Redistribution: People who have calciphylaxis may be more susceptible to pressure ulcers especially if their movement is restricted.
Mobility Support: Make sure that the surroundings are safe for those with restricted mobility. Hydration: Promote the individuals to follow proper hydration management. 

 

Dermatology, General

Calcium acetate: It is mostly used to treat hyperphosphatemia as a phosphate binder.  
The characteristics of calciphylaxis is the calcification of small blood arteries in the adipose and skin tissue which causes ulceration necrosis of the tissue and ischemia. 

Dermatology, General

Wound Excision: Surgical excision of the afflicted tissue may be required in situations of significant tissue necrosis or gangrene to remove non-viable tissue and stop the infection from spreading further.  
Skin transplantation: When there are significant tissue defects or regions of skin loss skin transplantation may be an option. Skin grafts can aid in the healing of open wounds or assist in conceal them and enhance the cosmetic results.  

Dermatology, Cosmetic

Diagnosis: Use clinical evaluation and imaging lab investigations to assess symptoms.  
Acute Care: With pain management wound care and operations the focus is on minimizing suffering and managing adverse effects and stabilizing the patient’s condition. 
Wound Healing: To encourage healing and defend against infection keep up with wound care.  
 
Long-Term Management: To stop the condition from progressing and reoccurring implement medical therapy lifestyle modification and monitoring.  

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