Partners Calciphylaxis Biobank

Calciphylaxis, a vascular calcification disorder, is a rare and serious disorder characterized by calcification of dermal arterioles.

There are significant gaps in the understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors for calciphylaxis. At present, there is no effective treatment. Uncertain pathobiology, rare incidence and lack of collaborative approach have been some of the major limiting factors towards treating calciphylaxis.

The Partners Calciphylaxis Biorepository (PCB) aims to address these gaps within calciphylaxis research by utilizing existing and, when necessary, developing new infrastructure to support the consent of patients and the collection of dedicated samples for a calciphylaxis repository.

This repository is working in collaboration with the Partners Biobank as they will still be receiving samples from the PCB and storing them and distributing them according to their own procedures.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female ≥18 years old
• Skin lesions consistent with calciphylaxis diagnosis as determined by the treating clinician
• Informed of the investigational nature of the study and sign written Informed consent OR are eligible for surrogate consent process based on impaired decision making

Exclusion criteria

• Patients <18 years of age
• Prisoners