A strategy for the treatment of calcific uremic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis) employing a combination of therapies

Abstract

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis) is one of the more devastating complications that can develop in patients with chronic renal failure. This disorder is associated with calcium-phosphorus deposition in the subcutaneous arterial vessels and presents as a progressive ischemic necrosis of the skin resulting in large subcutaneous ulcerations with eschar formation. Mortality rates are substantially greater in chronic renal failure patients with calciphylaxis, and the major cause of death is infection and sepsis. We have developed a treatment strategy that employs a combination of therapies, which is based on reducing the known risk factors for the development of calciphylaxis as well as utilization of a number of treatment modalities that have been proven successful in the treatment of this disorder.