Nadroparin-induced calcinosis cutis in renal transplant recipients

Low-molecular-weight heparins are routinely used to prevent deep venous thr ombosis following renal transplantation in our department. We report 2 pati ents who developed tender erythematous subcutaneous nodules with induration , ulceration and necrosis at the site of subcutaneous administration of nad roparin, Both patients were renal transplant recipients with impaired graft function and high serum calcium-phosphate products. The diagnosis calcinos is cutis was confirmed by technetium-99m bone scan and by histological exam ination of biopsies. Both patients showed spontaneous recovery several week s after discontinuation of nadroparin. Patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia may be predisposed to develop calcinosis cutis. In ad dition, the role of the calcium content of nadroparin is discussed. Copyrig ht (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.