Corneal ulceration in Tanzanian children: relationship between measles and vitamin A deficiency.
Two 3-year prospective studies from 1982-1984 and 1986-1988 in Tanzania identified 189 children with corneal ulceration, of whom 31 (16.4%) were due to vitamin A deficiency. In 1982-1984, vitamin A deficiency was responsible for 23.4% of corneal ulcers (25 of 107) compared with 7.3% (6 of 82) from 1986-1988 (P = 0.006). It is postulated that the decrease in corneal ulceration due to vitamin A deficiency can be attributed to improved measles immunization coverage.
Foster
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A
International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK.
Yorston
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D
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology