title: [An unknown syndrome: acute zinc deficiency in the elderly in a surgical milieu].
abstract: Old people often present a chronic depletion in zinc. Any stress increases zinc consumption and zinc loss through the kidneys; acute depletion then appears. Anorexia is usual, psycho-neurological troubles induce to a wrong diagnostic of sudden senility or psychiatric disorder. Altered taste and a low blood level of zinc confirms the diagnostic. Zinc administration, usually per os, leads to a prompt recovery. 18 patients have been recorded; acute depletion occurred after infection or any ordinary surgical intervention.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Couinaud
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013577:Syndrome; D015032:Zinc / Q000172:deficiency*
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc
vernacular_title: Un syndrome méconnu: la carence aiguë en zinc chez les sujets âgés en milieu chirurgical.