sclerema

Induration of subcutaneous fat. [scler- + edema]

- s. neonatorum s. appearing at birth or in early infancy, usually in premature and hypothermic infants, as sharply demarcated and yellowish white indurated plaques that usually involve the cheeks, buttocks, shoulders, and calves; subcutaneous fat has a high proportion of saturated fatty acid s; microscopically, there is thickening of interlobular fibrous tissue and formation of triglyceride crystals and foreign body giant cells; prognosis is poor for widespread lesions, but localized lesions may resolve slowly over a period of many months.

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scle·re·ma (sklə-reґmə) [scler- + (ed)ema] a severe, sometimes fatal type of predominantly lobular panniculitis seen chiefly in preterm, sick, or debilitated infants suffering from a serious underlying illness. Characteristics include diffuse, rapidly progressive, nonpitting induration of the adipose tissue, so that the skin becomes cold, pale, and inflexible or boardlike. Called also s. adiposum, s. neonatorum, and Underwood disease.