Zinc deficiency in two infants during total parenteral alimentation for diarrhea

Zinc deficiency was observed in two infants receiving total parenteral alimentation for chronic diarrhea. An acrodermatitis enteropathica-like rash occurred in both of the infants. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the rash. Treatment with zinc resulted in rapid cure of the rash and a subsidence of other signs consistent with zinc deficiency.