Case Report: Extensive Dermatitis Secondary to Severe Malnutrition, Zinc and Vitamin Deficiencies After Malabsorptive Bariatric Surgery

• Main Authors: Aura D. Herrera-Martínez, Sonia Junquera-Bañares, Lucía Turrión-Merino, Francisco Arrieta-Blanco, José Botella-Carretero, Clotilde Vázquez-Martínez, Alfonso Calañas-Continente
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2021-05-01
• Series: Frontiers in Endocrinology
• Subjects: zinc deficiency; dermatitis; severe malnutrition; bariatric surgery complications; biliopancreatic diversion
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.623543/full

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments currently available for obesity and its derived comorbidities. However, complications may occur, especially when malabsorptive surgeries like a biliopancreatic diversion is performed. We present the case of a female patient whose obesity was treated with this technique, and in the 9th year of follow-up developed an extensive dermatitis secondary to zinc deficiency and malnutrition, precipitated by therapeutic non-compliance. A close surveillance of early symptoms and signs of nutritional deficiencies as well as chronic supplementation of vitamins and trace elements is required; this case illustrates the relevance of periodical, lifelong visits to a medical physician with special training and experience in the management of post bariatric surgery patients in order to prevent, diagnosis and early treat related complications.