Gray hair and acrodermatitis enteropathica-like dermatitis: an unexpected presentation of cystic fibrosis

Eur J Pediatr. 2011 Oct;170(10):1305-8. doi: 10.1007/s00431-011-1447-0. Epub 2011 Mar 22.

Abstract

Presentation of cystic fibrosis (CF) with an acrodermatitis enteropathica-like skin rash, anemia, and hypoproteinemia without pulmonary disease is rarely reported before. We describe an 11-month-old boy with rash and edema as the presenting signs of cystic fibrosis. The interesting additional finding in our patient was the graying hair after 3 months of age. A reversal of the gray hair was observed by pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. In conclusion, acrodermatitis-like eruption and hypoproteinemia can be a presenting sign of CF. Graying hair has not been noticed so far as a sign of CF in these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acrodermatitis / diagnosis
  • Acrodermatitis / etiology*
  • Acrodermatitis / therapy
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / etiology
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / diagnosis*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / therapy
  • Dermatitis / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis / etiology*
  • Dermatitis / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy
  • Exanthema / etiology
  • Hair Color* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypoproteinemia / etiology
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zinc / deficiency

Substances

  • Zinc

Supplementary concepts

  • Acrodermatitis enteropathica