[Subcutaneous fat necrosis after moderate therapeutic hypothermia in two newborns of African origin].

Moderate therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) significantly reduces the risk of death or long-term neurodevelopmental disability. Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is a rare particular form of panniculitis in full-term newborns. It can occur in preterm infants with predisposing risk factors (birth asphyxia, gestational diabetes, etc.). A few cases of SCFN after MTH have been described. We report two original cases of SCFN after MTH in newborns of African origin. Ethnic origin has not yet been reported in the literature as a risk factor. We describe here the possibility of a new risk factor of SCFN. Dermatologists and pediatricians should be aware of this complication and recognize it early because of the risk of hypercalcemia, even late after skin remission.