Nadroparin-Induced Calcinosis cutis in Renal Transplant Recipients

• Published in: Nephron Vol. 87; no. 3; pp. 279 - 282
• Main Authors: van Haren, F.M.P., Ruiter, D.J., Hilbrands, L.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland S. Karger AG 01.03.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Biopsy; Calcinosis - chemically induced; Calcinosis - pathology; Calcium - administration & dosage; Calcium - adverse effects; Case Report; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic - surgery; Kidney Transplantation - adverse effects; Middle Aged; Nadroparin - administration & dosage; Nadroparin - adverse effects; Renal Veins; Skin Diseases - chemically induced; Skin Diseases - pathology; Venous Thrombosis - etiology; Venous Thrombosis - prevention & control; Renal transplantation; Side effects; Low-molecular-weight heparin; Nadroparin; Calcinosis cutis; Renal failure
• ISSN: 1660-8151; 2235-3186
• DOI: 10.1159/000045927

Low-molecular-weight heparins are routinely used to prevent deep venous thrombosis following renal transplantation in our department. We report 2 patients who developed tender erythematous subcutaneous nodules with induration, ulceration and necrosis at the site of subcutaneous administration of nadroparin. Both patients were renal transplant recipients with impaired graft function and high serum calcium-phosphate products. The diagnosis calcinosis cutis was confirmed by technetium-99m bone scan and by histological examination of biopsies. Both patients showed spontaneous recovery several weeks after discontinuation of nadroparin. Patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia may be predisposed to develop calcinosis cutis. In addition, the role of the calcium content of nadroparin is discussed.