Management of calciphylaxis in a burn center: A case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Calciphylaxis is a rare, necrotizing skin disorder usually associated with kidney disease, but also caused by many other systemic illnesses. This disease is associated with mortality rates as high as 80% at 1year. We present the demographic and clinical data of nine patients with calciphylaxis treated at our burn center over a 10year period. We review the literature on the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease. We propose that these patients be treated similar to patients with thermal burn injury; meaning intensive wound care, surgical management, critical care and physical therapy. Burn centers are uniquely capable of caring for these incredibly complex patients due to their experience in managing patients with extensive skin and soft tissue defects, wounds and diseases.