Maria Angela Militello1, Maria Paola Re2, Giuliana Vitaliti3, Francesca Finazzo2, Paolo Manzoni1, Salvino Marcello Vitaliti2. 1. Division of Pediatrics, Department of Maternal, Neonatal, and Infant Medicine, Nuovo Ospedale degli Infermi, Biella, Italy. 2. U.O.C. Neonatologia - TIN - Nido, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy. 3. Dipartimento di Scienze per la Promozione della Salute e Materno Infantile G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is a rare condition that may occur in the neonatal period. SCFN is an inflammatory disorder of the adipose tissue, usually found in full-term healthy infants who have a history of intrauterine or perinatal distress. It is usually a self-limited condition; however, in some cases, it can get complicated, leading to severe hypercalcemia that may be life-threatening. STUDY DESIGN: We report and describe a classic presentation of SCFN that led to severe hypercalcemia refractory to standard treatment. The diagnosis of SCFN was made based on the finding of subcutaneous nodules and of hypercalcemia. The serum calcium level reached 16.6 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia was treated first with intravenous infusions of fluids and furosemide and then of methylprednisolone. This standard treatment was not effective; therefore, we administered a single low dose of zoledronic acid, which, in turn, was efficacious in ultimately managing the hypercalcemia. CONCLUSION: Our case shows how a single low dose of zoledronic acid was safe and effective in managing severe hypercalcemia unresponsive to conventional treatment while minimizing the risk of hypocalcemic rebounds. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
OBJECTIVE:Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is a rare condition that may occur in the neonatal period. SCFN is an inflammatory disorder of the adipose tissue, usually found in full-term healthy infants who have a history of intrauterine or perinatal distress. It is usually a self-limited condition; however, in some cases, it can get complicated, leading to severe hypercalcemia that may be life-threatening. STUDY DESIGN: We report and describe a classic presentation of SCFN that led to severe hypercalcemia refractory to standard treatment. The diagnosis of SCFN was made based on the finding of subcutaneous nodules and of hypercalcemia. The serum calcium level reached 16.6 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia was treated first with intravenous infusions of fluids and furosemide and then of methylprednisolone. This standard treatment was not effective; therefore, we administered a single low dose of zoledronic acid, which, in turn, was efficacious in ultimately managing the hypercalcemia. CONCLUSION: Our case shows how a single low dose of zoledronic acid was safe and effective in managing severe hypercalcemia unresponsive to conventional treatment while minimizing the risk of hypocalcemic rebounds. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.