1. Remy Tee and Coleman Shanks
Calciphylaxis
Remy Tee and Coleman Shanks

2. What is Calciphylaxis?
Calciphylaxis is a serious, uncommon disease in which calcium accumulates in small blood vessels of the fat and skin tissues.
Calciphylaxis causes blood clots, painful skin ulcers and may cause serious infections that can be fatal. People who have calciphylaxis usually have kidney failure and are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. The condition can also occur in people without kidney disease.

3. What part of the body does Calciphylaxis effect?
Calciphylaxis occurs from a buildup of calcium inside the blood vessels. Located in dense connective tissue.
Fun Fact: Calciphylaxis is very uncommon, affecting about 1 in 1500 people who are on chronic renal replacement therapy.

4. What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Calciphylaxis are skin lesions on the surface of the skin. These lesions can be found on the legs or areas with higher fat content such as the breasts, buttocks, and abdomen. These lesions are extremely hard to heal and if not treated, these lesions eventually progress to extremely painful ulcers or nodules.

5. What are the causes?
The exact cause of calciphylaxis is unknown, but recent studies have revealed that most people with the condition have higher than normal levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood that may lead to blood-clotting. This may occur if the person is experiencing hyperparathyroidism which occurs when the parathyroid glands make too much of the parathyroid hormone, the hormone that helps regulate calcium levels.
Fun Fact: All ages are susceptible to this disease, ranging from 6 months to 83 years old, but it is more commonly found in Caucasian females.

6. How is it cured?
Calciphylaxis cannot be cured but can be treated with different medications. The main way to treat this disease is to restore oxygen and blood blow to the skin. Medications such as sodium thiosulfate are prescribed to decrease calcium buildup in the arterioles.
Fun Fact: Calciphylaxis is not genetic but the underlying condition where calcium accumulates in blood vessels is. It is possible for this underlying condition to lead to Calciphylaxis but itself is not genetic.

7. What is the worst case scenario?
Although recovery from extreme conditions is possible, catching Calciphylaxis early increases the chances of survival. People with this disease have a one-year survival rate of less than 46%. Death is usually resulting from complications such as infections and sepsis (infection of the blood).

8. Sources