title: A tragic case of atopic eczema: malnutrition and infections despite multivitamins and supplements.
abstract: Eczema is a common childhood atopic condition and treatment is with emollients, topical corticosteroids and avoidance of possible triggers. S. aurues colonization is a common complication. During exacerbation, intensification of treatment is needed to relieve the child from the miserable symptoms of pruritus and sleep disturbance. Systemic antibiotics against S. aureus may be required. We report an infant with eczema who presented with a generalised rash, cardiac arrest and septic shock. Kwashiorkor-like protein energy malnutrition was noted presumably due to deviated dietary practice. Childhood eczema is an eminently treatable atopic disease. Extreme alternative therapy seems not to be efficacious and may even be associated with grave sequelae.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6/F, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. ehon@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: Kam Lun
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hon
authors.forename: Siu Ying
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Nip
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cheung
mesh_terms: D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007732:Kwashiorkor / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000209:etiology; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014815:Vitamins / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D014815:Vitamins