A child recovering from severe acute malnutrition on a dilute milk-based diet develops a dry, scaly desquamating dermatosis over the trunk, thrombocytopenia, and increased susceptibility to infection. Plasma assay shows an elevated triene to tetraene ratio. Which nutrient should be added to the diet?
- A Thiamine
- B Retinol
- C Linoleic acid ✓
- D Ascorbic acid
Correct answer: C. Linoleic acid
Explanation
Essential fatty acid deficiency manifests as a scaly dermatosis, poor wound healing, thrombocytopenia, and increased infections. The biochemical signature is a raised plasma triene to tetraene ratio above 0.4, since oleic acid derived eicosatrienoic acid accumulates when linoleic acid is unavailable. Treatment requires dietary linoleic acid, found in vegetable oils. Retinol, thiamine, and ascorbic acid deficiencies do not elevate this ratio.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.