[Enteropathic acrodermatitis treated with zinc sulfate]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Nutritional Science
• Genetic Disorders

Background:

• Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare genetic disorder of zinc absorption.
• Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing severe complications.

Observation:

• A six-month-old infant diagnosed with acrodermatitis enteropathica was treated with oral zinc sulfate.
• The initial daily dosage was 100 mg, administered until the child reached 2.5 years of age.

Findings:

• The treatment was successful with no observed complications during consistent administration.
• Two relapses occurred: one at 15 months when the dose was reduced to 50 mg daily, and another at 20 months when zinc was inadvertently stopped.
• The successful management underscores the efficacy of zinc sulfate in treating acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Implications:

• Consistent and adequate zinc supplementation is vital for managing acrodermatitis enteropathica.
• This case highlights the critical need for careful monitoring of dosage and adherence to treatment protocols in pediatric patients.
• Further research into optimal zinc dosing strategies for AE may be warranted.