[Zinc and biotin deficiency during prolonged parenteral nutrition in the infant]

The case of a premature hypotrophic infant who, after 4 months of parenteral nutrition, presented with deficiency in both zinc and biotin is reported. The two deficiencies had similar clinical manifestations: dermatitis, alopecia and susceptibility to infection. The diagnosis was confirmed by zinc blood level measurement on the one hand and by urinary organic acids chromatography on the other. The clinical manifestations can only be prevented by an additional intake of zinc and biotin in doses adjusted to the child's age and to the underlying pathology.