OPTIMIZATION OF THE TREATMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN CHILDREN WITH ZINC DEFICIENCY

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of zinc deficiency in children with atopic dermatitis and its correction. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the multidisciplinary clinic of Tashkent Medical Academy in the department of pediatric allergology on 38 children aged 2-7 years with atopic dermatitis (AD). The children were divided into 3 groups: the main group - children with AD diagnosis receiving the main treatment + zinc, n=15 (39.5%); the comparison group - children with AD receiving only the main treatment, n=23 (60.5%); and the control group - almost healthy children, n=15. The clinical manifestations of AD were assessed using the SCORAD index. Clinical examination included anamnesis collection and objective examination. All children underwent standard laboratory tests and evaluation of zinc levels in blood serum (using X-ray fluorescence analysis). Results: All children with AD were divided into 2 groups based on the Zn content in their blood serum. The first group (main group) included children with serum Zn concentrations below 9.5 µmol/L. The second group (comparison group) included children with serum Zn concentrations above 10 µmol/L. In the main group, nail hyperkeratosis was observed in 7 children (46.7%), perioral dermatitis in 11 children (73.3%), and perianal dermatitis in 7 children (46.7%). In the comparison group, nail hyperkeratosis was observed in 2 children (8.7%), perioral dermatitis in 6 children (26.1%), and perianal dermatitis in 3 children (13.4%). Children in the main group received the main treatment and additionally took a zinc-containing preparation for 1 month. In the comparison group, children received only the main treatment. After treatment, a positive dynamic of AD symptoms was observed in the main group. The introduction of zinc-containing preparation not only significantly improved the SCORAD index but also helped to moisturize the skin. In the main group, an increase in blood zinc levels was recorded, and further treatment with zinc-containing preparation was recommended. For children with normal zinc levels, zinc-containing preparations were added to their diet. Conclusion: Thus, zinc deficiency in serum was found in 39.5% of children in the study group. Zinc deficiency in children with AD was accompanied by clinical manifestations such as nail hyperkeratosis, perioral and perianal dermatitis. It is recommended to prescribe zinc-containing preparations for correcting zinc deficiency in patients with AD.