A comparative study of the effectiveness of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil on cutaneous squamous human carcinoma cell line: Potential chemotherapy alternative to surgery.

Surgery as treatment for local invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is not always feasible due to the age and/or the health status of patients. Thus, the investigation of new strategies to improve the quality of life of them is required. The aim of this work is to investigate two chemotherapy agents individually on cSCC cells with the purpose to provide a better understanding of the effectiveness underlying each one. The cisplatin effectiveness is compared at different times with that observed for the 5-fluorouracil treatment. The effectiveness of both was assessed by using flow cytometry to determine the survival cell ratio, and QBlue test to study the cell recovery ability after treatments. A significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells, especially 48 hours after treatments, has been detected. Despite this, cisplatin arises as the most promising agent for the treatment of local invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma due to the fact that a lower concentration and time are required to observe a higher effectiveness on cells with respect to the 5-fluorouracil. An optimal cisplatin-based chemotherapy might provide a better outcome for patients affected by a local invasive cSCC rather than surgery.

Masa subcutánea pétrea en el brazo de una mujer joven / Stony-Hard Subcutaneous Mass on the Arm of a Young Woman

No disponible

Recomendaciones de expertos para el tratamiento de la psoriasis en situaciones especiales / Expert recommendations on treating psoriasis in special circumstances

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Existe gran cantidad de información sobre la terapia sistémica y biológica de la psoriasis moderada-grave. Sin embargo, pueden identificarse numerosas situaciones clínicas concretas en las que la evidencia clínica es controvertida y donde resulta útil la opinión consensuada de los expertos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Un comité científico revisó, de forma sistemática, la bibliografía disponible en 5 escenarios clínicos. En aquellas cuestiones en las que la evidencia era controvertida se llevó a cabo un cuestionario on line según la metodología Delphi, realizado por dermatólogos con experiencia en el manejo de la psoriasis moderada-grave. RESULTADOS: El cuestionario recogió opiniones de 23 dermatólogos y se alcanzó el consenso en 37 de las 66 aseveraciones propuestas (56%). Los resultados permitieron consensuar propuestas en diversas situaciones clínicas, aun cuando la evidencia no fuese firme. Así, tanto el tratamiento intermitente como la desintensificación se consideraron estrategias adecuadas en la optimización de la terapia biológica y en la reducción de costes. La determinación de niveles de fármaco y de anticuerpos antifármaco debería incluirse rutinariamente en el seguimiento de los pacientes psoriásicos tratados con terapia biológica. La coexistencia de artropatía psoriásica y de antecedentes cardiovasculares condiciona la elección de la terapia biológica, prefiriéndose los fármacos anti-TNF alfa como primera elección. En pacientes embarazadas o con deseos de gestación la evaluación personalizada, la gravedad de la psoriasis y la vida media del fármaco son factores relevantes en la toma de decisiones. CONCLUSIONES: La combinación de una revisión sistemática de la literatura y la discusión y opinión estructurada de los expertos permite realizar propuestas para situaciones clínicas concretas

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A great amount of information on systemic and biologic therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis is now available. However, applying the evidence in numerous clinical scenarios has engendered debate; under these circumstances, the consensus of experts is useful. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A scientific committee systematically reviewed the literature relevant to 5 clinical scenarios. An online Delphi survey of dermatologists with experience treating moderate to severe psoriasis was then carried out in order to shed light on questions that remained unresolved by the available evidence. RESULTS: Twenty-three dermatologists responded to the survey and consensus was reached on 37 (56%) of the 66 statements proposed. These results led to consensus on various clinical situations even though firm evidence was lacking. Thus, intermittent therapeutic regimens and strategies for reducing the intensity of treatment are considered appropriate for optimizing biologic treatment and reducing costs. The measurement of drug and antidrug antibody levels should be included routinely when following patients on biologics to treat psoriasis. Concomitant psoriatic arthritis or a history of cardiovascular conditions will influence the choice of biologic; in these situations, an agent with anti-tumor necrosis factor properties will be preferred. Tailored management is important when the patient is pregnant or intends to conceive; drug half-life and disease severity are important factors to take into consideration in these scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of systematic review of the literature and structured discussion of expert opinion facilitates decision-making in specific clinical scenarios

Expert recommendations on treating psoriasis in special circumstances.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A great amount of information on systemic and biologic therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis is now available. However, applying the evidence in numerous clinical scenarios has engendered debate; under these circumstances, the consensus of experts is useful. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A scientific committee systematically reviewed the literature relevant to 5 clinical scenarios. An online Delphi survey of dermatologists with experience treating moderate to severe psoriasis was then carried out in order to shed light on questions that remained unresolved by the available evidence. RESULTS: Twenty-three dermatologists responded to the survey and consensus was reached on 37 (56%) of the 66 statements proposed. These results led to consensus on various clinical situations even though firm evidence was lacking. Thus, intermittent therapeutic regimens and strategies for reducing the intensity of treatment are considered appropriate for optimizing biologic treatment and reducing costs. The measurement of drug and antidrug antibody levels should be included routinely when following patients on biologics to treat psoriasis. Concomitant psoriatic arthritis or a history of cardiovascular conditions will influence the choice of biologic; in these situations, an agent with anti-tumor necrosis factor properties will be preferred. Tailored management is important when the patient is pregnant or intends to conceive; drug half-life and disease severity are important factors to take into consideration in these scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of systematic review of the literature and structured discussion of expert opinion facilitates decision-making in specific clinical scenarios.

Experiencia de 4 años de funcionamiento de una unidad multidisciplinar de psoriasis y artritis psoriásica / Multidisciplinary Psoriasis and Psoriactic Arthritis Unit: Report of 4 years’ Experience

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La afectación articular en los pacientes con psoriasis puede llegar hasta el 30%. El diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz de la artropatía puede influenciar su evolución. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es describir la experiencia de la unidad multidisciplinar de psoriasis y artritis psoriásica de nuestro hospital en el periodo 2009-2012. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Elaboración de un programa asistencial y docente. En una primera fase se consensuaron los criterios de derivación a la futura unidad y se realizaron varias reuniones conjuntas para formar y concienciar a los especialistas. En una segunda fase se estableció una agenda de visitas conjunta psoriasis-reumato-dermato (PSORD) con periodicidad mensual. A partir de 2011 se desarrolló un programa formativo abierto a dermatólogos y reumatólogos interesados en crear un modelo de colaboración similar. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo revisado se han efectuado 259 visitas (71% primeras, 8% no presentados) con una media de 8 (2-14) visitas por sesión. El 63% de visitas eran derivaciones de reumatología. En un 32% de casos hubo algún cambio en el diagnóstico y en un 47% cambios en el tratamiento. También se han hecho 3 cursos con participación de 15 médicos de 6 hospitales, y en 3 de ellos se han creado unidades parecidas. CONCLUSIONES: Este modelo ha comportado una mejora en el manejo de los pacientes que presentan problemas diagnósticos y/o de control de la enfermedad. También ha aumentado el diagnóstico precoz de la artritis y ha permitido indicar un tratamiento precoz. Además ha aumentado la colaboración entre ambas especialidades y el modelo creado se ha podido exportar a otros hospitales

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop joint disease, the course of which can be improved by early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with a new multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis unit over a period of 4 years (2009-2012). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implementation of a PSOriasis Rheumatology and Dermatology unit (PSORD) to provide patient care and physician training. In the first phase of the project, referral criteria for the unit were defined and several meetings were organized to train and prepare the specialists involved in the program. In the second phase, a schedule was drawn up for monthly patient visits with the PSORD team. Starting in 2011, training was offered to dermatologists and rheumatologists from other hospitals interested in implementing a similar model. RESULTS: A total of 259 visits (71% first visits, 8% no-shows) were scheduled during the period analyzed, with a median of 8 visits (range, 2-14 visits) per session. Sixty-three percent of the patients were referred from the rheumatology department. Diagnosis and treatment were modified in 32% and 47% of cases, respectively. Three training courses were held with 15 physicians from 6 hospitals, 3 of which created similar units. CONCLUSIONS: The PSORD model improved the management of difficult-to-diagnose and/or uncontrolled disease, the early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Finally, the model lends itself to being exported to other settings

Dermatomiofibroma en la nuca: descripción de 2 casos en la edad pediátrica / Dermatomyofibroma on the Nape of the Neck: A Report of 2 Pediatric Cases

No disponible

Multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis unit: report of 4 years' experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop joint disease, the course of which can be improved by early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with a new multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis unit over a period of 4 years (2009-2012). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implementation of a PSOriasis Rheumatology and Dermatology unit (PSORD) to provide patient care and physician training. In the first phase of the project, referral criteria for the unit were defined and several meetings were organized to train and prepare the specialists involved in the program. In the second phase, a schedule was drawn up for monthly patient visits with the PSORD team. Starting in 2011, training was offered to dermatologists and rheumatologists from other hospitals interested in implementing a similar model. RESULTS: A total of 259 visits (71% first visits, 8% no-shows) were scheduled during the period analyzed, with a median of 8 visits (range, 2-14 visits) per session. Sixty-three percent of the patients were referred from the rheumatology department. Diagnosis and treatment were modified in 32% and 47% of cases, respectively. Three training courses were held with 15 physicians from 6 hospitals, 3 of which created similar units. CONCLUSIONS: The PSORD model improved the management of difficult-to-diagnose and/or uncontrolled disease, the early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Finally, the model lends itself to being exported to other settings.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein is increased in patients with psoriasis with metabolic syndrome, and correlates with C-reactive protein.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is a reliable indicator of serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration. Raised levels of circulating LPS can trigger an increase in chronic pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may mediate the development of insulin resistance and obesity. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has been associated with metabolic syndrome. We aimed to study the expression of LBP in patients with psoriasis treated with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy, and controls matched by age, gender and body mass index (BMI). We did not find any differences in serum LBP concentration between patients and controls, and serum LBP did not correlate with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. However, patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome had higher serum concentration of LBP than controls. Furthermore, correlation with BMI and apolipoprotein B was present in controls, but not in patients with psoriasis. Serum LBP level did not change significantly after treatment with phototherapy.

Effect of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy on inflammatory markers and body fat composition in moderate to severe psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the anthropometric and metabolic profile of Spanish patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared with controls without psoriasis matched for gender, age and body mass index (BMI), and to evaluate the impact of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy on patient profiles. METHODS: Baseline waist circumference, body fat composition, lipid, carbohydrate and calcium metabolism profile, inflammation markers, homocysteine, vitamins D, B(6) and B(12) and folic acid of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 matched controls were recorded then evaluated after NB-UVB in patients with psoriasis and correlated with clinical outcome. RESULTS: Despite very similar BMIs, 54% of patients met International Diabetes Foundation criteria for metabolic syndrome compared with 42% of controls (P = 0·01); body fat was 29·9% in patients and 28·0% in controls (P = 0·037), correlating with waist circumference; while patient atherogenic profiles were less favourable, with higher apolipoprotein B and low density lipoprotein cholesterol than controls, and both patients and controls showed insufficient vitamin D serum levels (< 20 ng mL(-1)). Mean improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) after NB-UVB was 78·2%. Ferritin, B(12) and C-reactive protein decreased significantly after NB-UVB therapy. Vitamin D levels reached adequate levels after phototherapy; however, no relationship with PASI improvement was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We characterized inflammatory and atherogenic profiles of Spanish patients with psoriasis compared with matched controls. After NB-UVB therapy we demonstrated improvement in psoriasis and some systemic inflammation markers, which were not mediated by enhancement of vitamin D synthesis.

Sinus piloso plantar. Utilidad de la dermatoscopia / Usefulness of Dermoscopy in Plantar Pilonidal Sinus

No disponible

[Etanercept and infections]. / Etanercept e infecciones.

The biological treatments for psoriasis, mainly the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNF-alpha), have demonstrated their efficacy and safety beginning with the clinical trials up to their subsequent marketing. However, pharmacovigilance studies have detected a mild increase in infections. For the management of infectious risk in patients with psoriasis being treated with etanercept or other anti-TNF medications, an evaluation should be made of the adequacy of its use in patients infected by HCV, HBV, HIV, with localized or generalized infections, with risk of sepsis (carriers of intravenous catheter and indwelling urinary catheter) or with underlying disorders that could predispose them to infections (diabetes, hemodialysis). If a patient under treatment with etanercept presents an infection, if the infection is serious, treatment should be discontinued and if it is mild, the patient should be closely monitored and treatment interrupted if decided based on the evolution. Long experience on the use of etanercept in different diseases has made it possible to state that it has a good safety profile in regards to infections, if precautions are taken in regards to tuberculosis and the concomitance of other active infections during the treatment.

Etanercept e infecciones / Etanercept and infections

Los tratamientos biológicos para la psoriasis, principalmente los inhibidores del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), han demostrado su eficacia y seguridad desde los ensayos clínicos hasta su posterior comercialización. Sin embargo, los estudios de farmacovigilancia han detectado un ligero incremento de las infecciones. El manejo del riesgo infeccioso en los pacientes con psoriasis en tratamiento con etanercept u otros medicamentos anti-TNF pasa por valorar la idoneidad de su uso en aquellos pacientes con infecciones por los virus de la hepatitis C, B y de la inmunodeficiencia humana, con infecciones activas localizadas o generalizadas, con riesgo de sepsis (portadores de catéteres endovenosos y sondas urinarias permanentes) o con trastornos subyacentes que pudieran predisponer a sufrir infecciones (diabetes, hemodiálisis). En caso de que un paciente en tratamiento con etanercept presente una infección, si ésta es grave debe suspenderse el tratamiento y si es leve deberá seguirse estrechamente al paciente, y la interrupción del tratamiento se decidirá en función de su evolución. La larga experiencia de uso de etanercept en diferentes enfermedades permite afirmar que tiene un buen perfil de seguridad en lo que se refiere a las infecciones, si se toman las precauciones referentes a la tuberculosis y a la concomitancia de otras infecciones activas durante el tratamiento (AU)

The biological treatments for psoriasis, mainly the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNF-α), have demonstrated their efficacy and safety beginning with the clinical trials up to their subsequent marketing. However, pharmacovigilance studies have detected a mild increase in infections. For the management of infectious risk in patients with psoriasis being treated with etanercept or other anti-TNF medications, an evaluation should be made of the adequacy of its use in patients infected by HCV, HBV, HIV, with localized or generalized infections, with risk of sepsis (carriers of intravenous catheter and indwelling urinary catheter) or with underlying disorders that could predispose them to infections (diabetes, hemodialysis). If a patient under treatment with etanercept presents an infection, if the infection is serious, treatment should be discontinued and if it is mild, the patient should be closely monitored and treatment interrupted if decided based on the evolution. Long experience on the use of etanercept in different diseases has made it possible to state that it has a good safety profile in regards to infections, if precautions are taken in regards to tuberculosis and the concomitance of other active infections during the treatment (AU)

[Reactions to infliximab infusions in dermatologic patients: consensus statement and treatment protocol. Working Group of the Grupo Español de Psoriasis de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología ]. / Reacciones a la infusión de infliximab en pacientes dermatológicos. Grupo de Estudio, Grupo Español de Psoriasis de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología.

Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks tumor necrosis factor alpha and is the most effective biologic agent approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. It is administered by intravenous infusion, usually in day hospitals on an outpatient basis. The main problem with the administration of infliximab is the possibility of infusion reactions, which may be immediate or delayed; these reactions are related to the immunogenicity of this monoclonal antibody, leading to the production of anti-infliximab antibodies. Infusion reactions to infliximab are not usually anaphylactic (ie, they are not mediated by immunoglobulin E), and re-exposure of the patient using specific protocols to prevent and treat these reactions is therefore possible. The extensive experience in the use of infliximab for the treatment of rheumatic conditions and chronic inflammatory bowel disease has made it possible to develop infusion reaction management protocols; these can be applied to dermatologic patients, who constitute a growing proportion of patients treated with intravenous biological agents. The aim of this review is to draw up a consensus protocol for the treatment of infusion reactions in dermatologic patients treated with infliximab.

Reacciones a la infusión de infliximab en pacientes dermatológicos / Reactions to Infliximab Infusions in Dermatologic Patients: Consensus Statement and Treatment Protocol

Infliximab, un anticuerpo monoclonal quimérico que se une y bloquea al factor de necrosis tumoral alfa, constituye el agente biológico más eficaz aprobado para el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a grave y se administra mediante infusión intravenosa, generalmente en Hospitales de Día de forma ambulatoria. Las reacciones infusionales, que pueden ser agudas y retardadas, constituyen el principal problema en la administración rutinaria de este fármaco, y están relacionadas con la inmunogenicidad del anticuerpo monoclonal que da lugar a la producción de anticuerpos dirigidos contra el mismo. Las reacciones infusionales a infliximab son en la mayoría de los casos no anafilácticas (mediadas por inmunoglobulina E [IgE]), lo que no excluye el retratamiento de los pacientes empleando protocolos específicos de prevención y tratamiento de las mismas. Existe una amplia experiencia sobre el uso de este fármaco en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas y enfermedad inflamatoria idiopática intestinal, lo que ha permitido desarrollar protocolos de tratamiento de las reacciones a la infusión aplicables a los pacientes dermatológicos, que constituyen un grupo cada vez más numeroso de los que son tratados con agentes biológicos por vía intravenosa. El objeto de la presente revisión es desarrollar un protocolo de tratamiento consensuado de las reacciones a la infusión en pacientes dermatológicos tratados con infliximab (AU)

Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks tumor necrosis factor α and is the most effective biologic agent approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. It is administered by intravenous infusion, usually in day hospitals on an outpatient basis. The main problem with the administration of infliximab is the possibility of infusion reactions, which may be immediate or delayed; these reactions are related to the immunogenicity of this monoclonal antibody, leading to the production of anti-infliximab antibodies. Infusion reactions to infliximab are not usually anaphylactic (ie, they are not mediated by immunoglobulin E), and re-exposure of the patient using specific protocols to prevent and treat these reactions is therefore possible. The extensive experience in the use of infliximab for the treatment of rheumatic conditions and chronic inflammatory bowel disease has made it possible to develop infusion reaction management protocols; these can be applied to dermatologic patients, who constitute a growing proportion of patients treated with intravenous biologic agents. The aim of this review is to draw up a consensus protocol for the treatment of infusion reactions in dermatologic patients treated with infliximab (AU)

[Calcific uraemic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis): incidence, clinical features and long term outcomes]. / Arteriolopatía urémica calcificante (calcifilaxis): incidencia, formas de presentación y evolución.

UNLABELLED: Calcific uraemic arteriolopathy, also named calciphylaxis, is a rare but serious disorder characterized by medial mural calcification of small vessel leading to tissue ischaemia. It most commonly occurs in end stage renal disease patients on dialysis or recently received renal transplant with chronic nephropathy allograft. The pathogenesis of calciphylaxis is poorly understood. Abnormalities in mineral metabolism are clearly involved, but the specific factors that induces this disorder are not completely known. OBJECTIVES: Describe the main clinical features, outcomes and follow up of all calciphylaxis cases recorded in our dialysis unit in order to analyse the incidence, the main biologic parameters and the therapeutic background in which calciphylaxis appeared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive study about all the calciphylaxis cases diagnosed at our dialysis unit between the years 1991 and 2005. RESULTS: 8 cases, 6 women. Mean age: 65.3 years. All the patients were on haemodialysis treatment (one previous renal transplant). Mean time on dialysis was 76.6 months. Cumulative incidence was 1.17%. The principal end stage renal disease aethiology was neprhoangioeslerosis in four patients. Secondary hiperparatyrhoidism was present in 4 patients and 2 of them had been paratyrhoidectomized previously. A second cutaneous biopsy was needed for correct diagnosis in 3 patients. Calciphylaxis distal lesions were present in 7 patients. Two cases required urgent paratyrhoidectomy in order to control calciphylaxis. Only in 2 cases a Ca x P product > 60 mg/dL was present and 3 cases had PTHi values higher than 300 pg/mL. Calcium phosphate binders and vitamin D were present in 2 and 4 cases, respectively. One patient with proximal calciphylaxis died due to skin injury infection. CONCLUSIONS: Calciphylaxis is a rare disorder but not exceptional, related to end stage renal disease patients. The diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion, being sometimes difficult to distinguish from other entities in spite of pathological study. Proximal distribution of calciphylaxis had worst prognostic. Metabolic disorders and therapeutics background were not different from other patients included in dialysis treatment.

Arteriolopatía urémica calcificante (calcifilaxis): incidencia, formas de presentación y evolución / Calcific uraemic ateriolopathy (calciphylaxis): incidence, clinical features and long term outcomes

La arteriolopatía urémica calcificante, también conocida como calcifilaxis, es una entidad caracterizada por la presencia de áreas de necrosis isquémica junto con extensas calcificaciones de la capa media de las arteriolas dermoepidérmicas. Fundamentalmente se desarrolla en pacientes con insuficiencia renal en diálisis o trasplantados con disfunción del injerto. Aunque las alteraciones propias del estado urémico y del metabolismo calcio-fósforo son importantes, su etiopatogenia es compleja; siendo los mecanismos desencadenantes poco conocidos. Objetivos: Describir las formas de presentación y evolución de los casos de calcifilaxis diagnosticados en nuestra unidad de diálisis. Calcular la incidencia y analizar el contexto biológico y terapéutico previo al episodio de calcifilaxis. Material y métodos: Análisis descriptivo de todos los casos de calcifilaxis diagnosticados en nuestra unidad durante el período comprendido entre 1991-2005. Resultados: 8 casos, 6 mujeres. Edad media: 65,3 años. Todos los pacientes incluidos en programa de Hemodiálisis (1 trasplante renal previo). Tiempo medio en diálisis de 76,6 meses. La incidencia acumulada fue de 1,17%. La principal etiología de la IRC fue la Nefroangioesclerosis (4 pacientes). Existía antecedentes de hiperparatiroidismo secundario en 4 pacientes, con paratiroidectomía previa en 2 de ellos. En 3 pacientes el diagnóstico requirió una segunda biopsia cutánea. La distribución de las lesiones fue distal en 7 casos. En 2 casos se practicó paratiroidectomía urgente para el control de las lesiones. Tan sólo 2 casos presentaban producto Calcio-fósforo > 60 mg/dL y 3 casos cifras de PTHi > 300 pg/mL. 2 casos tomaban quelantes cálcicos y 4 suplementos de vitamina D. Un paciente con distribución proximal de las lesiones fue exitus por sobreinfección de las mismas. Conclusiones: La calcifilaxis es un proceso infrecuente. El diagnóstico requiere de una alta sospecha clínica, siendo en ocasiones difícil de distinguir de otros procesos. La localización a nivel proximal confiriere un peor pronóstico a las lesiones. Las alteraciones metabólicas y conductas terapéuticas son indistinguibles de las que presentan el resto de pacientes sometidos a diálisis

Calcific uraemic arteriolopathy, also named calciphylaxis, is a rare but serious disorder characterized by medial mural calcification of small vessel leading to tissue ischaemia. It most commonly occurs in end stage renal disease patients on dialysis or recently received renal trasplant with chronic nephropathy allograft. The pathogenesis of calciphylaxis is poorly understood. Abnormalities in mineral metabolism are clearly involved, but the specific factors that induces this disorder are not completely known. Objectives: Describe the main clinical features, outcomes and follow up of all calciphylaxis cases recorded in our dialysis unit in order to analise the incidence, the main biologic parameters and the therapeutic background in wich calciphylaxis appeared. Material and methods: We performed a descriptive study about all the calciphylaxis cases diagnosed at our dialysis unit beetwen the years 1991 and 2005. Results: 8 cases, 6 women. Mean age: 65.3 years. All the patients were on haemodialysis treatment (one previous renal transplant). Mean time on dialysis was 76.6 months. Cumulative incidence was 1.17%. The principal end stage renal disease aethiology was neprhoangioeslerosis in four patients. Secondary hiperparatyrhoidism was present in 4 patients and 2 of them had been paratyrhoidectomized previously. A second cutaneus biopsy was needed for correct diagnosis in 3 patients. Calciphylaxis distal lesions were present in 7 patients. Two cases required urgent paratyrhoidectomy in order to control calciphylaxis. Only in 2 cases a Ca x P product > 60 mg/dL was present and 3 cases had PTHi values higher than 300 pg/mL. Calcium phospate binders and vitamin D were present in 2 and 4 cases, respectively. One patient with proximal calciphylaxis died due to skin injury infection. Conclusions: Calciphylaxis is a rare disorder but not exceptional, related to end stage renal disease patients. The diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion, beeing sometimes dificult to distinguish from other entities in spite of pathological study. Proximal distribution of calciphylaxis had worst prognostic. Metabolic disorders and therapeutics background were not different from other patients included in dialysis treatmen