Role of sodium thiosulfate therapy in the treatment of digital necrosis due to Mönckeberg sclerosis

• Published in: Hemodialysis international Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 531 - 535
• Main Authors: Brucculeri, Michael, Rullan, Eugenia, Zanchi, Antonela, Marcotte, Anthony
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada 01.04.2014
• Subjects: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - pathology; dialysis; Digital necrosis; Fingers - blood supply; Fingers - pathology; Fingers - surgery; gangrene; Gangrene - pathology; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic - pathology; Kidney Failure, Chronic - therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Monckeberg Medial Calcific Sclerosis - drug therapy; Monckeberg Medial Calcific Sclerosis - pathology; Mönckeberg Sclerosis; Necrosis - drug therapy; Necrosis - etiology; Necrosis - surgery; Renal Dialysis - methods; sodium thiosulfate; Thiosulfates - administration & dosage; vascular calcification; dialysis; sodium thiosulfate; Digital necrosis; gangrene; Mönckeberg Sclerosis; vascular calcification
• ISSN: 1492-7535; 1542-4758
• DOI: 10.1111/hdi.12115

Accelerated vascular calcification is a well‐described complication of chronic kidney disease often affecting large and small vessels alike through a variety of mechanisms. Accordingly, dysregulation of calcium and phosphate balance, vitamin D metabolism, hyperparathyroidism, and endothelial injury can lead to both macrovascular and microvascular complications. We describe a 56‐year‐old Hispanic male with a history of end‐stage renal disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and medical noncompliance who developed sequential digital ischemia and necrosis involving both hands as well as right foot as a result of Mönckeberg sclerosis. An extensive metabolic and serologic workup was unrevealing but radiographic studies and histopathology revealed the diagnosis. A multifaceted approach was instituted including wound debridement and amputations along with intensive medical support. In addition to improving hypertensive control and striving for improved calcium and phosphate balance, sodium thiosulfate solution was administered for more than 1 year. This aggressive approach allowed his wounds to heal and has arrested further digital ischemia from occurring.