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Palliative care utilization in calciphylaxis: a single-center retrospective review of 121 patients (1999-2016). Int J Dermatol 2022 Apr;61(4):455-460

Date

07/02/2021

Pubmed ID

34196998

DOI

10.1111/ijd.15726

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85109039032 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   1 Citation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a debilitating dermatological condition associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Palliative care offers a multidisciplinary approach to addressing symptoms and goals of care in patients with serious medical diagnoses. Involvement of palliative services for calciphylaxis is infrequently reported in the literature. The purpose of this report is to assess rates of palliative and pain consultation for patients with calciphylaxis.

METHODS: This is a comprehensive, single-institution retrospective chart review of 121 eligible patients with a diagnosis of calciphylaxis treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1999 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were an indisputable diagnosis of calciphylaxis based on clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic features. One hundred twenty-one patients met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (42%) received either a palliative (n = 15) or pain (n = 20) consultation, or both (n = 16). Patients with a palliative care consultation were younger compared with those without (mean ages 57 vs. 62 years, P = 0.046). In 104 patients (86%), psychiatric symptoms were not assessed.

CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients with calciphylaxis, the majority do not receive palliative and pain care consultations. Psychiatric complications are inconsistently addressed. These observations highlight practice gaps in the care of patients with calciphylaxis.

Author List

Gaster EE, Riemer CA, Aird JL, King BJ, El-Azhary RA, Wilson BD, Strand JJ, Wu KL, Cleary JF, Lohse CM, Lehman JS

Author

Barbara D. Wilson MD Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Calciphylaxis
Humans
Middle Aged
Minnesota
Pain
Palliative Care
Retrospective Studies