Acerodermatitis enteropathic

Acrodermatitis is enteropathic (Brandt syndrome, Dunbolt-Kloss syndrome). The disease of infants coincides with the beginning of complementary feeding.

Etiology and pathogenesis. At the heart of the disease is a deficiency of zinc in the body due to its inadequate intake with food or with disturbances in its absorption in the intestine. The lack of zinc reduces the activity of many enzymes and underlies metabolic disorders, especially carbohydrates and proteins.

Clinical picture. Vesicular, pustular, bullous dermatitis of the distal parts, limbs, around the natural openings of the body, often alopecia, loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, mucous membrane damage by yeast-like fungi, gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, steatorrhea, abundant with an unpleasant odor of excrement). In the future - hypotrophy, secondary purulent infection, growth retardation.

The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of a low level of zinc in the blood. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with the syndrome of impaired intestinal absorption, dermatitis.

Treatment. Zinc sulphate up to 100-150 mg / day for 2-3 months, enzyme preparations.

The prognosis for early recognition and treatment is favorable. Preventive maintenance - observance of rules of feeding in accordance with the age of the child.