Hyperaldosteronemia and hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to atopic dermatitis-induced exudation in an infant presenting with growth failure

The present case is a 5-month-old female with atopic dermatitis who was brought to hospital for growth failure noted upon regular health examination. Laboratory examinations revealed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypoproteinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, elevated plasma renin activity and hyperaldosteronemia. Immune function was normal. Composition of the exudate collected from the skin lesions of atopic dermatitis was similar to that of plasma. Application of a steroid ointment improved the lesions as well as all laboratory values. These findings indicate that voluminous exudation caused by extensive atopic dermatitis can lead to hypotonic dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, hypoproteinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia and, finally, to growth failure in infants. We conclude that intensive treatment is important for severe atopic dermatitis in infants to prevent serious complications.