Clinical Aspects of Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystal Deposition

Our present understanding of the mechanisms of pathologic calcification is quite limited. Therefore, no reliable method exists to prevent calcium crystal deposition. Low doses of warfarin have been employed in some cases of soft tissue calcification because it depresses the synthesis of the vitamin K-dependent GLA protein (gamma carboxyglutamic acid), which has been implicated in the process of calcification. Reports of success must be tempered by the lack of a controlled study. Probenecid has also been utilized in the treatment of calcinosis.