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Wound problems due to zinc deficiency

Girish K Patel1, Keith G Harding

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Wound Healing Research Unit, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. patelgk@cf.ac.uk

International Wound Journal
|May 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Zinc deficiency can cause diarrhea, dermatitis, and disinterest. Prompt zinc supplementation rapidly improved symptoms in a pediatric patient with a history of gastrointestinal surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Deficiencies

Background:

  • Zinc deficiency is uncommon but can manifest in clinical practice.
  • Previous gastrointestinal surgery can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Observation:

  • A 4.5-year-old boy with a history of gastrointestinal surgery presented with diarrhea, disinterest, and dermatitis.
  • Clinical presentation suggested a potential zinc deficiency.

Findings:

  • Low serum zinc levels confirmed the diagnosis of zinc deficiency.
  • Parenteral zinc administration resulted in rapid clinical improvement of all symptoms.
  • Normalizing zinc levels was crucial before subsequent surgical procedures.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering zinc deficiency in patients with gastrointestinal issues.
  • Underscores the link between zinc status and wound healing, necessitating pre-operative optimization.
  • Emphasizes the effectiveness of zinc repletion in resolving deficiency-related symptoms.

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