Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of the Newborn

Abstract

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is a rare type of localized lobular panniculitis resulting in firm, inflamed, skin-coloured to purple nodules in the fat. The back, limbs and buttocks are common sites affected. The disease may manifest as discrete lumps or as a large hardened area. It occurs most commonly in the first post natal week in term infants. Although, usually a self-limited condition, subcutaneous fat necrosis may be complicated by hypercalcaemia and other metabolic abnormalities and therefore, these patients need close monitoring for complications.

Keywords

• hypercalcaemia
• neonate
• nodules
• panniculitis