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Zinc therapy in acrodermatitis enteropathica
Insights
Acrodermatitis enteropathica in an infant caused severe diarrhea and skin lesions due to zinc deficiency. Oral zinc supplementation rapidly healed the infant, highlighting zinc malabsorption as a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare genetic disorder characterized by zinc malabsorption.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Observation:
- An infant presented with severe, intractable watery diarrhea and characteristic skin lesions.
- Diagnosis was confirmed at eleven weeks of age with extremely low serum-zinc concentrations and diminished urinary zinc excretion.
Findings:
- Oral zinc supplementation (100 mg elemental zinc daily) led to complete healing of skin lesions within eleven days.
- The significant zinc dosage required for therapeutic effect suggests a substantial malabsorption issue.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical role of zinc in infant health and development.
- Effective management of acrodermatitis enteropathica relies on prompt zinc replacement therapy.
- Further research into the mechanisms of zinc malabsorption in this condition is warranted.
Abstract:
An infant is described with acrodermatitis enteropathica, who initially presented with severe and intractable watery diarrhea. Diagnosis was established at the age of eleven weeks. Serum-zinc concentrations were extremely low and urinary zinc excretion was diminished. Eleven days after oral zinc supplement (100 mg elemental zinc per day), the skin lesions had healed. The high therapeutic doses of zinc required for healing are suggestive that zinc malabsorption is an important pathogenetical factor of this disease.