Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica in an Infant

Abstract

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is an acquired or inborn (congenital) disorder of zinc metabolism that leads to zinc deficiency. The congenital form typically presents in infants during the first few months of life when they are weaned from breast milk, presenting even earlier in those who are formula fed. Acquired deficiency may be seen at any age. The characteristic clinical features of AE include erythematous, dry, scaly papules and plaques that may evolve into crusted, erosive, pustular lesions. These lesions typically are distributed in an acral and periorificial pattern and are associated with alopecia and diarrhea. Evidence-based recommendations are sparse but generally indicate 3 mg/kg/d of oral zinc supplementation for both congenital and acquired AE. Appropriate dosing helps to avoid acute zinc toxicity involving nausea and vomiting. We report a case of a 3-month-old female infant with acquired AE who was successfully treated with zinc supplementation over the course of 3 weeks.