[Acquired temporary night blindness in vitamin A and zinc deficiency in anorexia nervosa nine years after kidney transplantation].
BACKGROUND
Vitamin and trace element deficiencies may cause visual disturbances. Before starting a substitutional therapy, specific investigations should be performed.


METHODS
We present a kidney-transplanted patient who suffered for 6 months from night blindness. The electroretinography showed a severe decrease of the rod activity. Except for an irregular pigmentation in the far periphery, the fundus appeared normal. These findings were indicative of a vitamin A and zinc deficiency. The laboratory tests showed decreased vitamin A and zinc serum levels.


RESULTS
After three months of substitutional therapy the electroretinogram had normalized and the patient was free of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Visual disturbances due to vitamin and trace element deficiencies are rare in Europe. If suspected, since the diagnosis and the treatment of nutritional deficiencies are simple, specific investigations and a substitutional therapy should be initiated.
Lengyel
D
D
Augenklinik Kantonsspital St. Gallen. Dora.Lengyel@kssg.ch
Török
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009755:Night Blindness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency*
D014801:Vitamin A; D015032:Zinc