Work

Rapid cytologic diagnosis of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is a rare self-limited panniculitis that classically presents within the first few weeks of life. The diagnosis is typically clinical, but some cases require skin biopsy with hematoxylin and eosin stain for confirmation. We report a previously undocumented rapid diagnostic protocol that involves collecting a small amount of exudate from a suppurative lesion, placement onto a slide without fixation, and simply viewing the material under a microscope. This novel and practical method of diagnosis reveals doubly refractile crystals diagnostic of subcutaneous fat necrosis without a biopsy, which may be helpful for rapid diagnosis or use in low resource settings.

Source: Pediatric Dermatology

DOI: 10.1111/pde.15194

Authors: Christina L. Harview, Ailynna Chen, Mary Stone, Janet Fairley

Institutions: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, University of Iowa Health Care, University of Iowa

Language: English

Topic: Neonatal skin health care

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450