Characterizing calcinosis cutis in a pediatric population
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Insights
Pediatric calcinosis cutis, a skin calcium deposition, is more common in males. Dystrophic and idiopathic types were most frequent, unlike adult cases lacking metastatic forms.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Calcium Metabolism
Background:
- Calcinosis cutis involves abnormal calcium deposition in the skin.
- Limited data exists on pediatric calcinosis cutis.
- Characterizing this condition in children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize calcinosis cutis in a pediatric cohort.
- To identify demographic and etiological patterns.
- To compare pediatric findings with adult data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study.
- Single-institution analysis.
- 5.5-year study period.
Main Results:
- Thirty pediatric cases identified.
- More common in males (63%) with earlier onset (median 5 years vs. 10 years for females).
- Dystrophic (43%) and idiopathic (37%) calcinosis cutis were most prevalent; no metastatic cases observed.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric calcinosis cutis etiology resembles adults, excluding the metastatic form.
- Laboratory testing may be less critical for diagnosis than previously thought.
- Further research into pediatric calcinosis cutis is warranted.
Background/Objectives:
Calcinosis cutis is the abnormal deposition of calcium in the skin and subcutis. There is currently a paucity of data surrounding pediatric calcinosis cutis. The objective of this study is to characterize calcinosis cutis in a pediatric cohort.
Methods:
A single-institution retrospective cohort study was performed over a 5.5-year period.
Results:
Thirty cases were identified. Calcinosis cutis was found to be more common in men (63%), with a younger median age of onset (5 years) compared to women (10 years). Dystrophic calcinosis cutis (43%) was the most common type in the study population, though idiopathic calcinosis cutis (37%) was nearly as common. No cases of metastatic calcinosis cutis were found.
Conclusions:
The etiology of calcinosis cutis in the study population was found to be similar to that identified in adults with the exception of metastatic calcinosis cutis, which was not seen in our cohort. Previous recommendations using laboratory testing to diagnose this disease process might not be as critical as previously thought.
Related Concept Videos
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations