Subcutaneous fat necrosis in the newborn: a case report

Ojeda-Lewis E.; Hernández-Vargas A. · Acta Medica Peruana (2025) · DOI: 10.35663/amp.2025.424.3730

Resumen

This case describes a neonate with subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SFN), a rare, transient lobular panniculitis with extensive skin involvement but without the development of hypercalcemia, a commonly reported complication. The patient, born at 40 weeks gestation via emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress, presented with perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome, and grade II hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, requiring advanced resuscitation, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics. On the fourth day, the patient developed nodular, erythematous, and indurated lesions on the back and shoulders; biopsy revealed inflammation without microabscesses or adipocyte crystallization, confirming SFN. The lesions resolved spontaneously within three months without sequelae or metabolic disturbances. This publication highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in neonates with risk factors. The main lesson is the need for appropriate clinical follow-up to distinguish SFN from other panniculitis or skin infections and to monitor for potential complications.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada de Tacna