[An unknown syndrome: acute zinc deficiency in the elderly in a surgical milieu]

Old people often present a chronic depletion in zinc. Any stress increases zinc consumption and zinc loss through the kidneys; acute depletion then appears. Anorexia is usual, psycho-neurological troubles induce to a wrong diagnostic of sudden senility or psychiatric disorder. Altered taste and a low blood level of zinc confirms the diagnostic. Zinc administration, usually per os, leads to a prompt recovery. 18 patients have been recorded; acute depletion occurred after infection or any ordinary surgical intervention.