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Acrodermatitis enteropathica in a full-term breast-fed infant
Sukhjot Kaur1, Gurvinder P Thami, Amrinder J Kanwar
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh, India. drgurvinder@mantraonline.com
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|August 14, 2002
Summary
Acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare zinc deficiency in breast-fed infants, presents with rash and low zinc levels. Early diagnosis and awareness are crucial for affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Human Lactation
Background:
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a genetic disorder of zinc absorption.
- Zinc deficiency can manifest in infants, though rare in breast-fed infants.
- Clinical presentation typically involves skin lesions and gastrointestinal issues.
Observation:
- A case study of a breast-fed infant with acrodermatitis enteropathica is presented.
- The infant exhibited a characteristic acral rash.
- Laboratory tests confirmed zinc deficiency and low zinc levels in breast milk.
Findings:
- The infant's symptoms were directly linked to zinc deficiency.
- Low zinc concentration in breast milk was identified as a contributing factor.
- This case highlights a rare presentation of AE in a breast-fed infant.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of acrodermatitis enteropathica in breast-fed infants is necessary for timely diagnosis.
- Healthcare providers should consider zinc deficiency in the differential diagnosis of infant skin conditions.
- Monitoring zinc levels in breast milk may be warranted in specific clinical scenarios.