ACRODERMATITIS ENTEROPATHICA

Abstract

Acrodermatitis entheropathica (AE)- an autosomal recessive disease that develops due to malabsorption of zink in the small intestine and manifests as a classic triad of acral dermatitis, diarrhea and alopecia. The disease develops as a result of a mutation of the SLC39A4 gene encoding the ZIP 4- zinc transmembrane protein. Zinc (Zn) is a vital trace element. Its deficiency provokes failures of the leading systems and functions of our body, since it is a coenzyme and a participant in many biochemical reactions. With Zn deficiency many biochemical and physiological processes in our body are disrupted. Nervous system, reproductive systems, gastrointestinal tract and skin are affected, the immune reactivity is reduced. AE manifests itself mainly in infants, when the child is transferred from breastfeeding to artificial feeding. It is important to notice the clinical manifestations, confirm the presence of the disease and prescribe Zn therapy.