SUBCUTANEOUS FAT NECROSIS OF THE NEWBORN AND HYPERCALCEMIA - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) alone is an uncommon c ondition. Its association with hypercalcemia has been reported in 19 n eonates since 1926. The two occur in full-term to postterm newborns wi th perinatal complications associated with delivery. Erythematous to v iolaceous, firm, subcutaneous nodules appear approximately 1 to 4 week s after delivery, preceding the development of signs and symptoms of h ypercalcemia. Although SCFN and hypercalcemia are rare complications i n neonates with perinatal problems, death due to the sequelae of hyper calcemia occurred in 3 of the 19 patients. A neonate who develops skin lesions consistent with SCFN should be followed for possible onset of hypercalcemia and treated in a timely fashion.