Sodium Thiosulfate Treatment for Calciphylaxis: Is There an Optimal Duration of Therapy?

Calciphylaxis is a rare and serious disorder characterized by vascular calcification and occlusion of the microvessels in the dermis, subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral organs, and musculature. Studies have suggested that the major risk factors for developing calciphylaxis are chronic kidney disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Its diagnosis is clinical, and the treatment includes a multidisciplinary approach, although there are no clinical protocols based on randomized clinical trials. Therefore, the management and treatment are informed by specialist opinion. Sodium thiosulfate is frequently utilized for its vasodilatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to chelate calcium. However, there are no guidelines regarding the duration of its use. The present report describes a chronic kidney disease patient on hemodialysis with calciphylaxis, who underwent sodium thiosulfate treatment for 2 years associated with debridement and reconstructive plastic surgery with a good response and control of the disease.