Pediatrics & Neonatology
Volume 51, Issue 4 , Pages 238-241, August 2010

Calcinosis Cutis Complicated by Compartment Syndrome Following Extravasation of Calcium Gluconate in a Neonate: A Case Report

  • Tuo-Kang Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Keelung, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Chueh-Yuan Yang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Keelung, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Pediatrics, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, No. 268, Shin-Erh Road, Keelung 20148, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Shu-Jen Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Received 9 May 2009; received in revised form 13 July 2009; accepted 24 August 2009.

Article Outline

Hypocalcemia most frequently occurs in premature neonates. It is usually treated by intravenous (iv) calcium supplementation. However, complications caused by extravasation of iv calcium gluconate include localized soft tissue calcification, necrosis, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and even compartment syndrome. We present a rare case of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis complicated by compartment syndrome secondary to extravasation of iv calcium gluconate in a neonate. Emergent fasciotomy was performed twice for decompression of compartment syndrome. Histologic findings revealed necrosis and calcification. Appropriate antibiotics were administered to control secondary infection. To the best of our knowledge, there were no previous case reports of calcinosis cutis with compartment syndrome in infants. Although iatrogenic calcinosis cutis is generally a benign entity, the early recognition of the presentation of extravasation of calcium gluconate is important to avoid severe complications and possible medical malpractice disputes. This report aims to raise doctors' awareness of the presentation, course, and management of this relatively rare iatrogenic complication.

Key Words:  calcinosis cutis , calcium gluconate , compartment syndrome , extravasation , fasciotomy

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PII: S1875-9572(10)60045-9

doi:10.1016/S1875-9572(10)60045-9

Pediatrics & Neonatology
Volume 51, Issue 4 , Pages 238-241, August 2010

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