Serum lipids in children with xeroderma from an inland district of Sri Lanka

Children living on plantations in inland districts of the southeastern part of Sri Lanka frequently develop a skin condition on the legs described as mosaic skin or xeroderma. This condition is characterized by atrophic, dry, shining and scaly skin. The etiology is unknown. A food frequency survey indicated a low energy intake, a diet with a low fat content, and anthropometric data have shown a high prevalence of malnutrition within this group. The skin condition brought attention to a possible deficiency of essential nutrients, especially essential fatty acids. In order to investigate the possible association with a deficiency of essential fatty acids, blood samples were collected from both children having signs of xeroderma and controls. The total amount of phospholipids was low, but the fatty acid profile of this lipid class was similar to the controls. A vitamin A deficiency was indicated by low levels of its transport proteins. A multifactorial etiology where vitamin A deficiency may play a role is discussed.