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[Hydroxychinoline- and zinc-treated acrodermatitis enteropathica and electroretinographic findings (author's transl)]
Insights
Severe acrodermatitis enteropathica in a boy was treated with hydroxychines and later with oral zinc. Daily zinc supplementation improved skin symptoms and vision, despite optic atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare genetic disorder of zinc absorption.
- Long-term management of this condition can be challenging, particularly regarding potential complications.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old boy with a history of severe acrodermatitis enteropathica since infancy presented with visual deterioration due to optic atrophy at age 5.
- Previous treatments included hydroxychines with dose adjustments and halogen substitutions, but symptoms persisted.
Findings:
- Daily oral zinc supplementation and regular serum zinc monitoring resolved all cutaneous and mucous membrane symptoms.
- Ophthalmoscopic status remained unchanged, but visual acuity slightly improved, peripheral visual field expanded, and electroretinographic potentials normalized.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of consistent zinc management in acrodermatitis enteropathica.
- Effective zinc therapy can potentially ameliorate visual disturbances associated with the condition, even in the presence of optic atrophy.
Abstract:
A meanwhile 13 years old boy had to be treated by hydroxychinolines for a severe acrodermatitis enteropathica since his 1st year of life. At the age of 5 years he showed visual deterioration by atrophia optici. Dose reduction and application of different halogen substitutions were tried. Finally, it was daily oral zinc application and continuous control of the serum zinc level which made disappear all cutaneous and mucous symptoms. At an unchanged ophthalmoscopic status, there occurred a slight raise of vision, an enlargement of peripheric campus and a normalization of the electroretinographic potentials.