Neonatal subcutaneous fat necrosis with hypercalcemia treatment using calcitonin

Abstract

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn is a form of noninfectious panniculitis. It is an uncommon condition and mostly occurs in full-term infants within first weeks of life that have had a significant condition such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy at the time of birth. Subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn is usually a self-limiting condition but may be associated with hypercalcemia, which may lead to life threatening levels. Hypercalcemia is a significant reason of subcutaneous fat necrosis and needs an intervention involving hyperhydration, calcitonin, diuretics, steroids and sometimes bisphosphonate in resistant cases. Here, we have reported the case of a term infant who developed extensive subcutaneous fat necrosis in the first week of life after significant perinatal hypoxic injury. Her condition was complicated by hypercalcemia resistant to prolonged medical treatment with hyperhydration, diuretic and steroid but eventually the infant responded to high doses of calcitonin.