5 Signs of Calciphylaxis, Skin Damage Due to Calcium Accumulation

Calciphylaxis (calciphylaxis) or calciphylaxis is a serious disease due to the buildup of calcium in the blood vessels that causes blood clots, painful skin lesions, to life-threatening infections.

This condition, also known as calcified uremic arteriolopathy, usually occurs in people with chronic kidney disease. It is estimated that this occurs at 1 per cent per year in people on kidney dialysis. However, it can also occur in people without kidney disease.

Here are the medical reviews of calciphylaxis that you need to know to be aware of the symptoms.

1. Symptoms that can occur in calciphylaxis

The most frequent and obvious symptom of calcification is skin breakdown with painful purple lesions. Where these symptoms usually cannot be cured.

Signs and symptoms of calcification, including:

• Skin lesions, especially on the lower legs or areas with high-fat content, such as the breasts, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen, can occur anywhere. The disease can also affect fat tissue, internal organs, or skeletal muscle.
• The lesion has a large purple web-like pattern on the skin
• Deep and very painful lumps that ulcerate creating open sores with brownish-black crusts that fail to heal
• Infection from a wound that doesn't heal
• Other symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, cramps, depression, and aches

2. The exact cause is not well understood

Calciphylaxis occurs as a result of a buildup of calcium in the blood vessels. However, the mechanism that causes this buildup is not known. This may be due to problems with the metabolism of minerals and hormones, such as calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone.

Launching the Mayo Clinics, a recent study reports that people with calcification have abnormalities in blood clotting factors, which can cause small blood clots to form more often than usual.

3. Who is at risk for calciphylaxis?

According to information from the Healthline page, people with advanced kidney failure conditions are at the highest risk of experiencing calcification. This is reported in about 1 to 4.5 per cent of people on dialysis.

Certain medical conditions have also been reported to increase the risk of this disease in people on dialysis, such as:

• Diabetes
• Overweight (obesity)
• Using the drug warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent blood clots
• Using calcium supplements containing phosphate binders
• Have heart disease

Those without kidney disease are also at risk of developing this disease if they suffer from the following conditions:

• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, Crohn's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis
• Hypercoagulable conditions such as protein C and protein S . deficiency
• Alcoholic hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver caused by drinking too much alcohol over the years.

Not only that, but calciphylaxis is also known to be twice as common in women than men. People over the age of 50 are also reported to have it more often.

4. Diagnosis of calciphylaxis disease

Examination of symptoms, physical examination, and examination of the medical history can help establish calcification. Some tests such as a skin biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue), blood tests, and X-ray imaging studies (to show calcium deposits in the blood vessels) may also be needed.

5. Treatment of calciphylaxis

Effective treatment for calcification is still unknown. Treatment is focused on treating skin lesions, preventing infection, and improving calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. This can include:

• Enzymatic debriding agents: wound therapy using enzymes
• Hydrocolloid or hydrogen dressing
• Systemic antibiotics
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Medications, such as intravenous sodium thiosulfate (a chelating agent for calcium and iron) and Cinacalcet (Sensipar)
• Parathyroidectomy surgery to remove one or more parathyroid glands. This is done if drugs can't control calcium and phosphorus levels.
• Nutritional, psychological support, and pain management may also be needed

That's some medical information about calciphylaxis. This disease is often a fatal condition. Early detection and treatment may give better results.