Sclerema neonatorum
Sclerema Neonatorum
Sclerema neonatorum (pronunciation: skle-re-ma neo-na-to-rum) is a rare and severe skin condition that primarily affects newborns, particularly those who are premature or critically ill.
Etymology
The term "sclerema neonatorum" is derived from the Greek words "skleros" meaning hard, and "neonatorum" meaning newborn. It refers to the hardening of the skin that is characteristic of this condition.
Definition
Sclerema neonatorum is characterized by the hardening of the subcutaneous fat tissue, leading to a firm and waxy texture of the skin. This condition is often associated with severe underlying systemic diseases, such as sepsis, pneumonia, or hypothermia.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of sclerema neonatorum is the hardening of the skin, which typically starts in the buttocks or thighs and then spreads to other parts of the body. Other symptoms may include poor feeding, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of sclerema neonatorum is primarily based on the clinical presentation. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment of sclerema neonatorum involves addressing the underlying systemic disease. This may include antibiotics for sepsis, respiratory support for pneumonia, and warming for hypothermia. Topical treatments may also be used to soften the skin.
Prognosis
The prognosis of sclerema neonatorum is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of the underlying disease can improve the outcome.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sclerema neonatorum
- Wikipedia's article - Sclerema neonatorum
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski