Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2026
Application of Lucilia sericata Larvae in Debridement of Pressure Wounds in Outpatient Settings
Published on: December 4, 2021
Painful ulcers in calciphylaxis - combined treatment with maggot therapy and oral pentoxyfillin
J Tittelbach1, T Graefe, U Wollina
1Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Germany.
Background:
Calciphylaxis is a rare syndrome developing predominantly in female patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Skin lesions begin as superficial patches that quickly progress to painful necrotic ulcers. Histopathological findings are calcification of small arteries and arterioles and infarction of subcutis and skin. The prognosis of calciphylaxis is poor due to an increased risk of systemic infection.
Methods:
We report on a 50-year-old woman suffering from calciphylaxis. Initial treatments were not tolerated due to pain and therefore the patient was treated with maggot therapy and 800 mg/day of oral pentoxyfillin.
Results:
Over a period of 6 months a complete remission of her skin lesions was achieved.
Conclusion:
Patients suffering from ulcers due to calciphylaxis may benefit from the use of maggot therapy, which cleanses ulcers and prevents systemic infection.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
01:16Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...