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

This case report detailed an 11-year-old girl with acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE), a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting zinc metabolism, which manifested as rashes, growth retardation, partial alopecia, and other symptoms. The condition began at 3.5 months old, and her brother had died from similar symptoms. Laboratory tests showed decreased zinc levels in various body compartments despite normal absorption, and electron microscopy revealed Paneth cell inclusions. Abnormalities were also found in lymphocyte subpopulations and neutrophil chemotaxis. The patient's symptoms resolved within weeks following oral zinc therapy (ZnSO4, 2 mg/kg/day).