[Acquired zinc deficiency in a breast-fed premature infant].

UNLABELLED: Symptomatic zinc deficiency can occur in exclusively breast-fed infants. We report a case in a preterm infant.

CASE REPORT: A 3-months-old exclusively breast-fed premature infant presented with peri-orificial and acral eczematoid lesions. Laboratory investigations revealed lowered zinc levels in the infant's serum and in her mother's milk. A rapid healing occurred after oral zinc supplementation.

DISCUSSION: Zinc deficiency in breast-fed infants is a rare disease caused by a low level of zinc in mother's milk. The clinical features resemble those of acrodermatitis enteropathica. Oral zinc supplementation is required until weaning.