Dermopathic changes in hypozincemia

In seven patients with chronic debilitating gastrointestinal disease who were being given total parenteral nutrition using L-amino acids and concentrated dextrose solution, severe hypozincemia (less than 60 micrograms/dL) developed with characteristic skin lesions and alopecia. The lesions were similar to seborrheic dermatitis, and they occurred in areas of high sebaceous gland concentration. Hyperkeratotic lesions were also seen on the extensor surfaces of large joints. The skin lesions and alopecia disappeared when serum zinc values were raised to levels above 60 micrograms/dL, with appropriate zinc sulfate replacement. A hypothesis on the etiology and clinical manifestations is presented.