Zinc Deficiency

WHAT IS IT?

Zinc deficiency is a self explanatory condition. 

WHAT CAUSES IT?

A decreased intake of zinc is responsive for this condition and can be caused by a few different underlying mechanisms:

• Malabsorption: secondary to conditions such as Crohn disease, celiac disease 

WHY IS IT CONCERNING MEDICALLY?

Zinc is an important trace mineral in the diet of humans, and its absence is medically concerning because it can lead to the following issues/complications:

• Hypogonadism 
• Immune dysfunction
• Hair loss
• Impaired wound healing 

WHAT IS THE INTIAL PRESENTATION?

Patient Chief Complaints:

• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Skin rash 
• Diarrhea
• Impaired taste 

Detected Medical Problems:

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY?

Risk Factors:

• TPN usage

Medical History:

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE PHYSICAL EXAM?

Vital Signs:

Dermatological Exam:

• Alopecia 
• Skin rash: erythematous pustules around body offices and on the extremities 

CLINICAL WORKUP: SERUM STUDIES

CLINICAL WORKUP: IMAGING

CLINICAL WORKUP: OTHER

HOW DO WE NARROW THE DIFFERENTIAL?

Conditions that present similarly and how to exclude them:

WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSING THIS CONDITION?

PATIENT MANAGMENT: SYMPTOM RELEIF

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: DISEASE TREATMENT

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES

COULD THIS HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

Page Updated: 02.19.2017