Abstract
The high mortality rate in CUA patients is partly explained by their comorbid
conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, peripheral arterial occlusive
disease, and chronic protein malnutrition. Additionally, the vasculopathy seen in CUA
appears to be irreversible even after aggressive therapies (3,32,43). All of these factors
contribute to delayed healing of ulcers in these patients, and consequently, increased risk
for wound infection and sepsis. Coexistent peripheral arterial disease in patients with
ESRD also decreases the success rate of limb salvage in calciphylaxis (39).