A Hypercalcemic Crisis Complicating Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of the Newborn: A Case Report and Literature Review

TL;DR

A newborn with subcutaneous fat necrosis developed a severe calcium imbalance and other complications, highlighting the need for close monitoring.

Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of rare complications associated with subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn.

Findings

The infant developed a hypercalcemic crisis and nephrocalcinosis linked to SFNN.

Complications included deep venous thrombosis and persistent hypoglycemia.

Eosinophilia was also observed during the clinical course.

Abstract

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SFNN) is a rare panniculitis that is characterized by the presence of skin nodules. Although SFNN is a self-limited benign disease, effective follow-up is highly recommended to detect hypercalcemia and other complications early on. A male newborn was admitted twice to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The first NICU admission was for hypoglycemia, and the second was due to late-onset sepsis, in which reddish nodules were detected on the back, flanks, shoulders, and posterior aspects of the legs. At 44 days old, the infant was referred to the emergency department due to a hypercalcemic crisis. Screening for other SFNN complications revealed eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, and nephrocalcinosis. The hospitalization was further complicated by a rare occurrence of deep venous thrombosis. The calcium level was followed up to ensure the patient’s recovery. This case highlights the complications that might follow SFNN and emphasizes the importance of its surveillance.

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