Calciphylaxis in Man

Abstract

: A patient with renal failure developed wide-spread calcification in the thighs after the injection of iron-dextran (Imferon). This is considered as an example of calciphylaxis, a process in which calcium is laid down in parts of the body following the administration of a “ challenger.” Iron-dextran is a known challenger, and should be used with caution in uraemic subjects, who may be sensitized by high serum parathyroid hormone levels. Contributing factors may have been a high calcium/phosphate product, steroids, and the patient's immobility. © 1969, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.