ISSN:
1432-1076
Keywords:
Key words Zinc deficiency
;
Acrodermatitis enteropathica
;
Breast-fed
;
Preterm infant
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A formerly premature, exclusively breast-fed infant with severe zinc deficiency syndrome is presented. He showed the characteristic erosive skin changes, including alopecia, as seen in acrodermatitis enteropathica. In addition, he manifested a failure to thrive and irritability. The diagnosis was confirmed by reduced serum levels of zinc (2.3 μmol/l) and alkaline phosphatase (45 U/l). We consider the reduced zinc supply in the breast milk (5.7 μmol/l) as the most likely cause of the disease. Therapy consisted of oral zinc supplements (50 μmol/kg/ day) for a period of 30 weeks. Symptoms and laboratory values normalized completely and did not recur on a normal diet. Conclusion A diet of breast milk can, in rare circumstances, cause insufficient zinc intake resulting in severe zinc deficiency syndrome with characteristic dermatological features. Therapy consists of temporary oral zinc supplementation at a daily dose of 50 μmol/ kg.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004310050252
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