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A 5-year-old boy has had episodic periods

during which areas of his skin would develop
a rash, which would spontaneously resolve in
a week to 10 days. An astute pediatrician told
the boy's parents to give him niacin the next
time this occurred and a high-protein diet,
and when they did, the rash resolved in a day
or two. A likely disorder that this child has is
which one of the following?
(A) Cystinuria
(B) Hartnup disease
(C) Myasthenia gravis
(D) Alkaptonuria
(E) Jaundice

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The likely disorder that this child has is Hartnup disease. Hartnup disease is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects the absorption of certain amino acids, including tryptophan.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely disorder that this child has is Hartnup disease. Hartnup disease is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects the absorption of certain amino acids, including tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to niacin, which is why the pediatrician recommended giving the child niacin when the rash occurred. The high-protein diet also helps provide the necessary amino acids for the child's body.

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