title: Concentration of vitamin A, retinol-binding protein and prealbumin in serum in response to stress: A contribution to the prevention of stress ulcers by means of vitamin A.
abstract: Starting from clinical observations indicating a reduction in the stress ulcer rate by parenteral administration of high doses of vitamin A after burns, traumatic damage and surgical operations, the pattern of vitamin A, retinol-binding protein (RBP) and prealbumin (PA) concentrations in serum was studied in a number of patients with multiple traumas (group 1; n equals 32), cranial-cerebral lesions and postoperative conditions (group 2; n equals 27) and patients having undergone gynecologic operation (group 3; n equals 15); the results obtained were compared with the concentrations determined preoperatively and the normal values as reported in the literature. It was seen that the concentrations in the 3 groups were significantly reduced for all 3 parameters. This fall in concentration was observed not only when food was withheld but also with optimal supplies of essential nutrients. Intestinal hemmorrhages occurred in altogether 6 patients of groups 1 and 2 who exhibited serum vitamin A concentrations in the extremely low range and in the lower normal range.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000032:analysis*; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis*; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000097:blood*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D011228:Prealbumin; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D014801:Vitamin A