Early serum changes in severely malnourished children with corneal xerophthalmia after injection of water-miscible vitamin A.
We have studied the response of malnourished, xerophthalmic children to injections of water-miscible vitamin A to assess the most effective dose. Total dose injected was either greater than 100,000, 100,000, or 50,000 IU. Serum levels of retinol-binding protein, prealbumin, retinyl esters, and retinol were estimated. More than half the children given the largest does had exceptionally high serum retinyl esters and a high molar ratio of retinol and retinyl esters to retinol-binding protein. In no group did retinol-binding protein or prealbumin reach normal levels 24 h after dose. Eye recovery and weight gain was so good after 50,000 IU as after higher doses. The possible toxicity of retinyl esters and free retinol in serum is discussed and the level of vitamin A in normal liver is considered in relation to therapeutic doses. The role of protein deficiency in influencing response to dose is reviewed.
D002648:Child; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D004224:Diterpenes; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications; D010168:Palmitates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications
D004224:Diterpenes; D010168:Palmitates; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D014801:Vitamin A; C014794:retinol palmitate