Acrodermatitis enteropathica without hypozincemia: therapeutic effect of a pancreatic enzyme preparation due to a zinc-binding ligand.

The clinical course and intestinal absorption studies of a female infant who developed diarrhea after cessation of breast feeding, mood changes, and intermittently had mild perioral and perianal rashes are described. She showed a partial response to a pancreatic enzyme preparation which was attributed to its content of a zinc-binding ligand, picolinic acid. Complete recovery occurred on pharmacologic doses of zinc. Exacerbation occurred twice upon withdrawal of the oral zinc medication. The zinc concentrations of plasma and intestinal mucosa were normal.