Acrodermatitis Enteropathica in the Pediatric Population: A Literature Review of Real-World Studies

June 2025 in “ Frontiers in Nutrition ”

Wanlin Cui, Ningning Wang, Mingyue Shi, Xuegang Xu, Hongkun Jiang

acrodermatitis enteropathica alopecia zinc deficiency zinc supplementation metabolic disorders zinc

TLDR Zinc effectively treats most children with acrodermatitis enteropathica, but underlying metabolic issues may require additional management.

This literature review on acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) in children analyzed 190 studies involving 231 patients under 18 years old. AE is characterized by dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea, with zinc deficiency observed in 75.9% of patients. Zinc supplementation was effective in 91.4% of 174 patients, with 1–3 mg/kg/day being the most common effective dosage. However, zinc supplementation was often ineffective in AE cases associated with metabolic disorders, highlighting the need to address underlying metabolic issues for optimal management. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation in pediatric AE cases to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

View this study on frontiersin.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Acrodermatitis Dysmetabolica Secondary to Isoleucine Deficiency in Infant With Maple Syrup Urine Disease

August 2023 in “Dermatology reports”

A baby with maple syrup urine disease improved from skin problems by adjusting his diet to correct amino acid levels.

research Case Report: Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Resulting From a Novel SLC39A4 Gene Mutation

November 2022 in “Frontiers in pediatrics”

A girl with skin rashes and low zinc levels improved with zinc supplements and had new gene mutations linked to her condition.

research Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica in an Infant

November 2022 in “Cutis”

An infant with a zinc deficiency skin disorder improved with zinc treatment.

research A Rare Case of Severe Acrodermatitis Enteropathica During COVID-19 Lockdown

September 2022 in “JAMC. Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbotabad, Pakistan/Journal of Ayub Medical College”

A boy with a rare skin condition improved quickly after starting zinc supplements.

Analysis of the Relationship Between the Mutation Site of the SLC39A4 Gene and Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: A Case Report and Literature Review

research Analysis of the Relationship Between the Mutation Site of the SLC39A4 Gene and Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: A Case Report and Literature Review

11 citations , January 2020 in “BMC pediatrics”

New mutations in the SLC39A4 gene found in twins help understand the genetic cause of acrodermatitis enteropathica.

research Acrodermatitis Enteropathica-Like Skin Eruption With Neonatal Seizures in a Child With Biotinidase Deficiency

4 citations , July 2019 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology”

Early diagnosis and biotin treatment are crucial for infants with biotinidase deficiency to prevent severe complications.

research Acrodermatitis Dysmetabolica in an Infant with Maple Syrup Urine Disease

18 citations , June 2016 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Increasing isoleucine intake improved skin and health issues in an infant with maple syrup urine disease.

Man-Made Disease: Clinical Manifestations of Low Phenylalanine Levels in an Inadequately Treated Phenylketonuria Patient and Mouse Study

research Man-Made Disease: Clinical Manifestations of Low Phenylalanine Levels in an Inadequately Treated Phenylketonuria Patient and Mouse Study

13 citations , January 2013 in “Molecular genetics and metabolism”

Proper diet management is crucial for phenylketonuria patients to avoid severe health issues.

research Zinc And Biotin Deficiencies After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

11 citations , September 2010 in “PubMed”

Zinc and biotin supplements are needed after certain surgeries to prevent hair loss and other issues.

research Congenital Zinc Deficiency from Mutations of the SLC39A4 Gene as the Genetic Background of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

16 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of Korean medical science/Journal of Korean Medical Science”

A Korean boy's skin and digestive symptoms were caused by a rare genetic disorder that affects zinc absorption, and he got better with zinc supplements.

research A Case of Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica with a Normal Serum Zinc Level but a Low Level in the Hair

3 citations , January 2007 in “Korean Journal of Pediatrics”

Zinc supplements can help skin issues even if blood zinc levels are normal.

research Acrodermatitis Enteropathica-Like Eruption in an Infant with Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia

17 citations , September 2000 in “Journal of dermatology”

A baby with a rare metabolic disorder developed a rash not cured by zinc alone, likely due to both zinc and amino acid deficiencies.

research Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: Case Report Analyses of Zinc Metabolism, Electron Microscopic Examination, and Immune Function

6 citations , January 2000 in “The Journal of Trace Elements in Experimental Medicine”

Zinc supplements effectively treat acrodermatitis enteropathica.

research Polarization Microscopy of Hair in Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

28 citations , September 1986 in “Pediatric dermatology”

Zinc therapy improved hair health in a girl with acrodermatitis enteropathica.