Calciphylaxis Treated with Phosphate Binder Sevelamer Hydrochloride in a Patient Who Was Operated on for Parathyroidectomy

Calciphylaxis is a rare, but serious disorder that is usually observed in patients with renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is characterized by the ischemic necrosis of the skin, the underlying tissue and other organs, as well as rapid vascular calcification. Prompt diagnosis and management is required because the intractable skin necrosis sometimes causes lethal sepsis. Sevelamer hydrochloride is an ion-exchanging resin that binds phosphates in the gut without increasing the calcium load. Treatment with it may lead to less vascular calcification and better survival for patients with chronic renal disease. Herein we present a case of calciphylaxis with renal failure and the patient improved after treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride therapy.