| Abstract | Transient, symptomatic zinc deficiency in breast-fed, low-birthweight infants is a rare, but probably underrecognized disorder hallmarked by periorificial and acral dermatitis. Unlike in acrodermatitis enteropathica, symptoms disappear when nursing ends. We report a breast-fed, preterm infant with demarcated, erythematous, and exudative patches with overlying crusts on the perioral, perianal, and acral areas. Laboratory investigations revealed lowered zinc levels in the infant's serum, but normal levels in his mother's milk. Oral zinc supplementation resulted in total clearing of skin lesions within 4 weeks. Our patient's presentation illustrates the importance of zinc in rapidly growing preterm infants and aims to stimulate awareness for this disorder. Symptomatic zinc deficiency can be easily diagnosed by careful examination and effectively treated with oral zinc substitution. |
| Authors | Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, Franz-Martin Fink, Elisabeth Steichen-Gersdorf
(Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. ursula.kohlendorfer at i-med.ac.at)
|
| Journal | Pediatric dermatology
(Pediatr Dermatol)
2007 Sep-Oct
Vol. 24
Issue 5
Pg. 536-40
ISSN: 1525-1470 United States |
| PMID | 17958805
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Gluconates
- gluconic acid
- Zinc
|
| Topics |
- Breast Feeding
- Gluconates
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Low Birth Weight
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature
- Male
- Skin Diseases
(diet therapy, etiology, metabolism)
- Zinc
(blood, deficiency)
|
