A Study on the Efficacy of Oral Zinc Therapy for the Treatment of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

The study investigated the effectiveness of oral zinc therapy in 30 patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE), a rare genetic disorder that impairs zinc absorption, leading to skin inflammation and other symptoms. The majority of patients (50%) were under 1 year old, with various age groups represented up to 60 months. Clinical symptoms included dermatitis in all patients, alopecia in 40%, diarrhea in 60%, and mental disturbances in 30%. The most common areas affected were the perioral area (86.6%), anogenital area (80%), palms and soles (66.6%), arms (46.6%), and legs (40%). Nail changes were observed in 60% of the children. The study aimed to assess the response of these patients to zinc supplementation given orally.