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[Acrodermatitis enteropathica in full-term breast-fed infant]
1Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisie. monia.kharfi@rns.tn
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|June 1, 2005
Summary
A rare case of acrodermatitis enteropathica (a zinc deficiency disorder) was identified in a full-term breast-fed infant. This condition improved with zinc supplementation, highlighting maternal zinc levels as a factor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Nutritional Disorders
- Genetics
Background:
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting zinc absorption.
- AE symptoms typically manifest in early infancy, often after cessation of breastfeeding.
- This report details a unique case of AE in a full-term, exclusively breast-fed infant.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old infant presented with persistent anogenital and acral lesions.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by low plasma zinc levels in the infant, mother, and breast milk.
- Genetic analysis revealed homozygous mutation for AE in the infant.
Findings:
- The infant exhibited characteristic skin lesions and confirmed zinc deficiency.
- Low zinc levels were observed in both the infant and the mother's breast milk.
- Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous mutation consistent with acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Implications:
- Highlights the possibility of AE in full-term breast-fed infants, contrary to common assumptions.
- Underscores the importance of assessing maternal zinc status in cases of infant zinc deficiency.
- Successful treatment with zinc sulfate demonstrates effective management of this rare condition.