SERUM-LIPIDS IN CHILDREN WITH XERODERMA FROM AN INLAND DISTRICT OF SRI-LANKA

Children living on plantations in inland districts of the south-easter n part of Sri Lanka frequently develop a skin condition on the legs de scribed as mosaic skin or xeroderma. This condition is characterized b y atrophic, dry, shining and scaly skin. The etiology is unknown. A fo od frequency survey indicated a low energy intake, a diet with a low f at content, and anthropometric data have shown a high prevalence of ma lnutrition within this group. The skin condition brought attention to a possible deficiency of essential nutrients, especially essential fat ty acids. In order to investigate the possible association with a defi ciency of essential fatty acids, blood samples were collected from bot h children having signs of xeroderma and controls. The total amount of phospholipids was low, but the fatty acid profile of this lipid class was similar to the controls. A vitamin A deficiency was indicated by low levels of its transport proteins. A multifactorial etiology where vitamin A deficiency may play a role is discussed.