Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn
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Synopsis

In subcutaneous fat necrosis, disintegration and destruction of the subcutaneous fat affects newborns (both full-term and premature) within the first 4 weeks of life. Skin lesions are typically not present at birth. Difficult labor and childbirth, perinatal hypothermia and perinatal hypoxia, maternal diabetes, seizures, and preeclampsia have all been associated with the development of these benign skin lesions, which spontaneously resolve over months. Infants are afebrile and without systemic symptoms.
Codes
ICD10CM:
P15.6 – Subcutaneous fat necrosis due to birth injury
SNOMEDCT:
239094006 – Subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn
P15.6 – Subcutaneous fat necrosis due to birth injury
SNOMEDCT:
239094006 – Subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Traumatic panniculitis
- Sclerema neonatorum is more diffuse in a critically ill infant.
- Steroid withdrawal can lead to subcutaneous nodules, usually on the cheeks, arms, and trunk.
- Cellulitis
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Last Updated:12/16/2021