Hypercalcemia in Association with Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of the Newborn: Studies of Calcium-Regulating Hormones

Abstract

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is an uncommon disorder that occurs during the first few weeks of life as firm subcutaneous nodules on the cheeks, buttocks, back, arms, and thighs. This disorder, which initially was described by Harrison and McNee in 1926,1 typically affects full-term newborns who have experienced perinatal distress. Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn usually resolves over a period of months, but may result in death due to its association with hypercalcemia. The association between subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn and hypercalcemia was first reported by Clay in 19562; however, the mechanism that results in hypercalcemia remains incompletely understood.3-7