Acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption associated with combined nutritional deficiency.

Abstract

We present here a case of acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption associated with essential free fatty acid and protein deficiencies as well as borderline zinc deficiency that occurred after Whipple's operation in a 31-yr-old woman. Her eruptions were improved not by zinc supplements alone, but her condition was improved by total parenteral nutrition including amino acids, albumin, lipid and zinc. Although we could not exactly decide which of the nutrients contributed the most to her manifestations, we inferred that all three elements in concert caused her dermatoses. This case shows that even though the patient's skin manifestations and laboratory results are suggestive of acrodermatitis enteropathica, the physicians should keep in mind the possibility that this disease can be associated with other nutritional deficiencies such as free fatty acid or protein deficiency.

• Authors: You Jeong Kim, Mi-Yeon Kim, Hyung Ok Kim, Myung Duck Lee, Young Min Park
• Journal: Journal of Korean medical science (J Korean Med Sci) Vol. 20 Issue 5 Pg. 908-11 (Oct 2005) ISSN: 1011-8934 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 16224175 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Fatty Acids, Essential
• Zinc

Topics

• Acrodermatitis (diagnosis, etiology)
• Adult
• Fatty Acids, Essential (deficiency)
• Female
• Humans
• Malnutrition (diagnosis, etiology)
• Pancreatectomy (adverse effects)
• Protein-Losing Enteropathies (diagnosis, etiology)
• Skin Diseases (diagnosis, etiology)
• Zinc (deficiency)