[Vision jeopardizing xerophthalmia in Denmark].
A 54-year-old alcoholic was admitted with keratomalacia in 2001. The right cornea had an ulceration and the left cornea had stromal necrosis and a perforation. Serum retinol and serum betacaroten were extremely low. Treatment consisted of high-dose retinol and left sided cornea transplantation. The right eye healed with little scarring, vision: 0.5. The left eye was stabilized after a second cornea transplantation and covering with conjunctiva, vision: hand movement at a distance of 1 m. This proves the existence of symptomatic vitamin A deficiency among socially exposed subjects in Denmark.
Høngaard
Sarah Katrine
SK
Aalborg Sygehus, Øjenafdelingen, Denmark. sarah.hongaard@studmed.au.dk
Hjortdal
Jesper
J
D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery