Calciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis (pronounced: kal-si-fi-LAK-sis) is a rare, serious disease that affects the skin and underlying tissues due to calcification of blood vessels. It is also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA).
Etymology
The term "calciphylaxis" is derived from the Greek words "kalki" meaning lime, and "phylaxis" meaning protection. It was first used in 1961 by Hans Selye, a Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist, to describe a condition in rats where they developed calcification in their tissues when exposed to certain damaging agents.
Symptoms
The symptoms of calciphylaxis include painful skin ulcers, necrosis (tissue death), and infection. The most commonly affected areas are the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Causes
Calciphylaxis is most commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, but it can also occur in patients with normal kidney function. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an imbalance in the calcium-phosphate metabolism.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of calciphylaxis is often made based on the clinical presentation and confirmed by a skin biopsy. Other tests such as blood tests and imaging studies may also be used.
Treatment
Treatment of calciphylaxis is challenging and often involves a multidisciplinary approach. This may include wound care, pain management, anticoagulation therapy, and adjusting the patient's dialysis regimen.
Prognosis
The prognosis for patients with calciphylaxis is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calciphylaxis
- Wikipedia's article - Calciphylaxis
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