Calcium Deposition Disorder Symptoms, Origins, and Remedial Measures
Calciphylaxis is a little-known but potentially life-threatening condition that primarily affects individuals with chronic kidney disease. This condition occurs when a person's body attacks their tissues and organs in response to another infection, leading to the formation of calcium deposits in the blood vessels and arteries.
The symptoms of calciphylaxis can be severe and include skin abnormalities, discoloration of the skin, formation of bone in soft tissues, gangrene, skin ulcers, intense pain, vision problems, internal bleeding, muscle damage, and fatigue. In some cases, the skin lesions may not heal, leading to infections and further complications.
Calciphylaxis is a rare condition, with an estimated 30% mortality rate after 6 months and 50% at 12 months. Septicemia is the leading cause of death in individuals with calciphylaxis.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to manage this condition. Common treatments include managing calcium and phosphate imbalances, preventing further vascular calcification, and treating symptoms.
Sodium thiosulfate is a widely used therapy for reducing vascular calcification and improving wound healing. This treatment is often administered after dialysis sessions, increasing calcium solubility and aiding its clearance from the body. Other treatments include parathyroidectomy options, Cinacalcet, dietary modifications, discontinuation of risk factor medications, and symptom management.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infections, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to promote wound healing and increase a person's life expectancy. However, it's important to note that there is currently no FDA-approved definitive therapy for calciphylaxis, so treatment is largely supportive and aimed at controlling the mineral imbalance and minimizing further vascular damage.
Research suggests that certain factors may increase a person's risk of developing calciphylaxis, including being female, of Caucasian ethnicity, having kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, hypoalbuminemia, autoimmune disorders, liver disease, cancer, dialysis vintage, or taking certain medications such as warfarin, corticosteroids, calcium-based phosphate binders, activated vitamin D, or iron therapies.
If you suspect you may have calciphylaxis, it's crucial to consult a doctor immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Blood tests can show levels of calcium in a person's blood, and a biopsy of a person's lesion may be performed to rule out similar conditions or in the early stages of renal disease.
While calciphylaxis is a rare condition, understanding its symptoms and risk factors can help those with chronic kidney disease take steps to prevent this life-threatening complication.
- Blood tests can help in diagnosing calciphylaxis by showing levels of calcium in a person's blood, indicating a potential blood cell disorder.
- In addition to calciphylaxis, other blood cell disorders such as heart valve disorders, chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and skin conditions might also require medical attention for health and wellness.
- Mentioning skin abnormalities, vision problems, internal bleeding, muscle damage, and fatigue as symptoms of calciphylaxis highlights a need for skin care and medical attention for various medical conditions.
- With calciphylaxis causing skin ulcers and lesions, treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used for skin care purposes to aid in wound healing.
- Beyond calciphylaxis, autoimmune disorders, liver disease, cancer, and certain medications like warfarin, corticosteroids, calcium-based phosphate binders, activated vitamin D, or iron therapies, might be associated with other blood cell disorders, skin conditions, or other chronic diseases.
