Nutritional Status and Gastrointestinal Structure and Function in Children With Ichthyosis and Growth Failure

The study examined 10 children with severe ichthyosis and growth failure to investigate enteropathy and nutritional deficiencies. Few gastrointestinal abnormalities were found, except for mild fat malabsorption in 2 patients. Despite high caloric intake, some children had deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins. Common findings included mild elevations in calcium and magnesium levels, elevated hematocrit, and constipation. The study concluded that nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal abnormalities were uncommon, and chronic hypovolemia due to impaired epidermal permeability might be prevalent in these children.