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Published on: September 20, 2018
ACRODERMATITIS ENTEROPATHICA: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND PEDIATRIC DIAGNOSIS
Ieda Regina Lopes Del Ciampo1,2, Regina Sawamura2, Luiz Antonio Del Ciampo2
1Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil.
Insights
Acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare genetic disorder, causes skin lesions and infections due to zinc deficiency. Early diagnosis and zinc sulfate supplementation are crucial for recovery and preventing complications in affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Clinical Genetics
- Nutritional Medicine
Background:
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder.
- It results from impaired zinc absorption, leading to zinc deficiency.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old boy presented with characteristic skin lesions, diarrhea, fever, and recurrent infections.
- Laboratory tests revealed significantly low serum zinc levels (27.0 mcg/dL).
Findings:
- Oral zinc sulfate supplementation (2.0 mg/kg/day) led to rapid clinical improvement.
- Symptom recurrence upon cessation of zinc supplementation confirmed the diagnosis.
Implications:
- Prompt recognition and treatment of AE are vital.
- Effective management prevents severe complications and improves patient outcomes.
- Highlights the importance of zinc in infant health and development.
Objective:
To report a case of acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare disease with autosomal recessive inheritance.
Case Description:
An 11-month-old boy was presenting symmetrical erythematous and yellowish-brownish crusted lesions on his face, feet, hands and knees, intermittent diarrhea, fever, and recurrent infections since the age of six months. He was thin and had scarce hair on the scalp. The serum zinc level was measured and a reduced level of 27.0 mcg/dL (normal range: 50.0-120.0) was identified. Oral supplementation with 2.0 mg/kg/day of zinc sulfate was immediately initiated. A rapid and progressive improvement of symptoms was observed. The symptoms reappeared with an attempt to stop supplementation.
Comments:
Recognizing and properly treating acrodermatitis enteropathica is important to prevent complications.
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