CORTISONE IN THE TREATMENT OF SCLEREMA NEONATORUM

Abstract

SCLEREMA neonatorum is a condition characterized by induration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and by local and general circulatory disturbances.1Recovery is extremely rare. In the following case the patient was treated with cortisone with apparent success. REPORT OF A CASE C. J., a 3 day old white boy, was admitted to the Medical College of Virginia Hospital on Oct. 21, 1950 with the diagnosis of sclerema neonatorum. The baby was born prematurely, the product of approximately 32 weeks' gestation. Labor was of three hours' duration, and delivery was uncomplicated. On the second day of life the local doctor noted that the infant's skin was abnormally indurated, and on the following day he referred the baby to the Medical College of Virginia Hospital for treatment. Physical examination at the time of admission revealed an apathetic 3 pound, 12 ounce (1,700 Gm.) white boy with a weak, feeble cry.