Incidence of low vitamin A levels and ocular symptoms after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
BACKGROUND
Previous reports have demonstrated a significant incidence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency after bariatric surgery. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of vitamin A deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and to correlate the laboratory findings with ocular symptoms potentially related to vitamin A deficiency.


METHODS
All patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were invited to participate in a nutritional screening. The patients completed a detailed survey concerning ocular symptoms and had their vitamin A level evaluated.


RESULTS
A low vitamin A level was identified in 7 (11%) of 64 RYBG patients. Ocular xerosis was present in 18 patients (27%), with night vision changes reported in 45 (68%). Visual disturbances were present in 7 patients (11%) found to have low vitamin A levels, with hypovitaminosis A present in 22% of patients with xerosis (P <.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Low vitamin A levels and frequent ocular complaints that might be associated with decreased vitamin A are common findings in the post-RYBG patient population. Additional study is needed to assess the role of routine vitamin A screening and replacement in the postbariatric surgery patient.
Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington 98341, USA. Matthew.eckert@amedd.army.mil
Matthew J
MJ
Eckert
Jason T
JT
Perry
Vance Y
VY
Sohn
John
J
Boden
Matthew J
MJ
Martin
Robert M
RM
Rush
Scott R
SR
Steele
D000328:Adult; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D058447:Eye Pain / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009755:Night Blindness / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology
D014801:Vitamin A