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. 1993 Oct;69(4):446–448. doi: 10.1136/adc.69.4.446

Cystic fibrosis presenting as kwashiorkor with florid skin rash.

R J Phillips 1, C M Crock 1, M J Dillon 1, P T Clayton 1, A Curran 1, J I Harper 1
PMCID: PMC1029554  PMID: 8259877

Abstract

Two infants with a florid erythematous rash and generalised oedema, hypoalbuminaemia, and anaemia were found to have cystic fibrosis. This rare presentation is associated with false negative sweat tests, delays in diagnosis, and a considerable mortality. It is proposed that this presentation represents a manifestation of kwashiorkor secondary to malabsorption. The recognition that these infants have kwashiorkor provides some insight into the pathogenesis and management of their illness.

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Selected References

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