Panniculopathies




Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of the Newborn



Listen





Figure 22-1


Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn This is a self-resolving and benign condition that is seen in healthy newborns. The etiology of this disorder is probably ischemic injury to subcutaneous fat. Lesions often develop at sites of pressure.






Figure 22-2


The infants develop single or multiple firm red-purple nodules or plaques that are asymptomatic. Cheeks, back, buttocks, and thighs are the most common locations. It is difficult to capture the quality of panniculitis in the figure, but a sense of it can be appreciated on the back of the patient pictured in Fig. 22-2.






Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis



Listen





Figure 22-3


Subcutaneous fat necrosis Lesions may be present at birth, or they may develop during the first month of life. Most lesions resolve spontaneously over a period of 2 to 4 weeks, but some last significantly longer. There is usually no residual atrophy or scarring. Subcutaneous fat necrosis is occasionally associated with hypercalcemia, as was the case in this patient.






Sclerema Neonatorum



Listen





Figure 22-4


Sclerema neonatorum Unlike the condition just described, sclerema neonatorum presents itself as symmetrical areas of induration on cheeks, shoulders, buttocks, and calves. The skin over involved subcutaneous fat is uniformly board-like, cold, and livid in color, as though frozen. Infants so affected appear rigid because mobility is interfered with by the sclerema and they are severely ill. Mortality is high. The condition is more common in premature infants and in those with severe underlying disease, such as sepsis or dehydration.


Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Jan 9, 2019 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on Panniculopathies

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access