Subcutaneous fat necrosis as a complication of therapeutic hypothermia in a term neonate.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) is a benign self-limited disorder commonly associated with hypothermia and perinatal asphyxia. SCFN secondary to therapeutic whole body hypothermia has rarely been reported. With increasing use of cooling for moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), clinicians should recognize this potential complication.