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Transient zinc deficiency in a breast fed, premature infant

Sónia Coelho1, Bárbara Fernandes, Fernanda Rodrigues

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Hospital da Universidade, Praceta Mota Pinto, P.3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal. sonia.alexcoelho@clix.pt

European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|April 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights zinc deficiency in a premature infant presenting with an acrodermatitis enteropathica-like rash. Oral zinc supplementation effectively resolved the skin condition, demonstrating its critical role in infant nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Dermatology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Premature infants often experience negative zinc balance due to insufficient stores and high metabolic demands.
  • Zinc deficiency can manifest with dermatological symptoms resembling acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old male infant, born at 27 weeks gestation, developed a skin eruption at two months of age.
  • The infant received fortified breast milk, yet presented with low serum zinc levels.
  • Maternal serum and breast milk zinc concentrations were within normal limits.

Findings:

  • Oral zinc supplementation led to complete resolution of the skin eruption within three weeks.
  • The infant remained symptom-free for 22 months after treatment discontinuation, with no relapse.
  • This case underscores symptomatic zinc deficiency in premature infants despite adequate maternal zinc and milk fortification.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of monitoring zinc levels in premature infants, even with fortified nutrition.
  • Suggests that standard fortification may not always meet the high zinc requirements of extremely preterm infants.
  • Emphasizes the efficacy of oral zinc therapy for zinc deficiency-related dermatoses in neonates.

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