Biomaterial Database

Zinc deficiency dermatosis in premature infants receiving prolonged parenteral alimentation. 1981

J P Arlette, and M M Johnston

Zinc deficiency dermatitis is a recognized complication of prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in adults and children. Ten cases of a characteristic dermatosis developing in premature infants with hypozincemia while on long-term TPN are described. The infants presented a defined group of premature neonates who were born between 25 and 28 weeks' gestation with birth weights of less than 1,200 gm and who had received continuous prolonged TPN. The characteristic skin changes appeared on an average of 91 days after birth, with prominent and early involvement of the neck fold crease. Lesions also occurred on the cheeks, buttocks, and genitalia, but spared the extremities. In seven of the ten cases, the skin changes and low serum zinc levels developed 1 to 5 days after an episode of bacterial sepsis or signs of physiologic stress.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007223	Infant	A child between 1 and 23 months of age.	Infants
D007231	Infant, Newborn	An infant during the first 28 days after birth.	Neonate,Newborns,Infants, Newborn,Neonates,Newborn,Newborn Infant,Newborn Infants
D007235	Infant, Premature, Diseases	Diseases that occur in PREMATURE INFANTS.
D008297	Male		Males
D010288	Parenteral Nutrition	The administering of nutrients for assimilation and utilization by a patient who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by enteral feeding alone. Nutrients are administered by a route other than the alimentary canal (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously).	Intravenous Feeding,Nutrition, Parenteral,Parenteral Feeding,Feeding, Intravenous,Feeding, Parenteral,Feedings, Intravenous,Feedings, Parenteral,Intravenous Feedings,Parenteral Feedings
D010289	Parenteral Nutrition, Total	The delivery of nutrients for assimilation and utilization by a patient whose sole source of nutrients is via solutions administered intravenously, subcutaneously, or by some other non-alimentary route. The basic components of TPN solutions are protein hydrolysates or free amino acid mixtures, monosaccharides, and electrolytes. Components are selected for their ability to reverse catabolism, promote anabolism, and build structural proteins.	Hyperalimentation, Parenteral,Intravenous Hyperalimentation,Nutrition, Total Parenteral,Parenteral Hyperalimentation,Total Parenteral Nutrition,Hyperalimentation, Intravenous
D003872	Dermatitis	Any inflammation of the skin.	Dermatitides
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.