Vitamin A Deficiency

One of the most common vitamin deficiency syndromes in developing countries

Most common cause of blindness in developing countries

In the United States, occurs most commonly in the elderly and individuals of lower socioeconomic status or from fat malabsorption syndromes or mineral oil laxative abuse

Night blindness (early)

Dryness (xerosis) of conjunctivae and small white patches on the conjunctivae (Bitot spots) (early)

Ulceration and necrosis of the cornea (keratomalacia), perforation, endophthalmitis, and blindness (late)

Xerosis and hyperkeratinization of the skin

Loss of taste

Abnormalities of dark adaptation

Serum vitamin A levels below normal range of 30–65 mg/dL

Early deficiency: vitamin A 30,000 international units orally once daily for 1 week

Advanced deficiency: vitamin A 20,000 international units/kg orally once daily for at least 5 days