Clinical spectrum of zinc deficiency in pediatric patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

In a 1-yr period, 11 infants and children were found to have symptomatic zinc deficiency associated with prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN). A wide variety of signs and symptoms were due to zinc deficiency, including diarrhea, anorexia, poor weight gain, perioral and perineal rash, and alopecia. A previously undescribed symptom of zinc deficiency, that of prolonged postoperative adynamic ileus, was also seen in four children. Prompt resolution of symptoms occurred with the institution of intravenous zinc sulfate (500 micrograms/kg/day).