Vit. A deficiency disorders

Vit. A deficiency disorders

1. Definition: Vitamin A deficiency is a condition where the body does not get enough vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision, immune function, and skin health. It can lead to various health problems, including night blindness, weakened immune system, and skin disorders.

2. Causes / Etiology: Causes of vitamin A deficiency include:

• Poor diet lacking in vitamin A-rich foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens
• Malabsorption of vitamin A due to conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease
• Increased demand for vitamin A during pregnancy or lactation
• Certain medications that interfere with vitamin A absorption

3. Types or Classification: Types of vitamin A deficiency disorders:

• Night blindness: inability to see in low light
• Keratomalacia: dryness of the cornea leading to blindness
• Xerophthalmia: dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea
• Impaired immune function: increased susceptibility to infections
• Skin disorders: acne, dry skin, and hair loss

4. Pathology: Step 1 → Inadequate vitamin A intake or malabsorption → Decreased levels of retinol and retinyl esters in the liver → Reduced synthesis of rhodopsin in the retina → Impaired night vision

Step 2 → Continued deficiency → Decreased levels of retinoic acid in the skin → Impaired skin cell growth and differentiation → Skin disorders and dryness

Step 3 → Severe deficiency → Keratomalacia and xerophthalmia → Blindness and vision loss

5. Clinical Features: General features:

• Night blindness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Impaired immune function

Specific features:

• Xerophthalmia: dryness and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea
• Keratomalacia: dryness and ulceration of the cornea
• Skin disorders: acne, dry skin, and hair loss

6. Complications: Acute complications:

• Keratomalacia and xerophthalmia
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Chronic complications:

• Blindness and vision loss
• Impaired immune function
• Skin disorders and hair loss

7. Diagnosis / Investigations: Routine tests:

• Vitamin A levels in the blood
• Liver function tests
• Complete blood count

Special tests:

• Ophthalmological examination
• Skin examination
• X-ray of the chest and skull

8. Management: General management:

• Dietary advice: eat vitamin A-rich foods
• Supplements: vitamin A tablets or injections

Modern treatment:

• Replacement therapy: vitamin A injections or oral supplements
• Antioxidant therapy: to prevent further damage

Dietary advice:

• Eat sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and other vitamin A-rich foods
• Avoid excessive intake of vitamin A, as it can be toxic

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics:

• Lachesis: for night blindness and impaired vision

• Nitric acid: for skin disorders and acne

• Rhus toxicodendron: for skin itching and dryness

• Sulfur: for skin disorders and hair loss

• Petroleum: for skin dryness and keratomalacia

• Lachesis:

  • Night blindness
  • Impaired vision
  • Dry skin
  • Itching
  • Acne

• Nitric acid:

  • Skin disorders
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Itching
  • Burning sensation

• Rhus toxicodendron:

  • Skin itching
  • Dry skin
  • Eczema
  • Acne
  • Hair loss

• Sulfur:

  • Skin disorders
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Hair loss
  • Nail problems

• Petroleum:

  • Skin dryness
  • Keratomalacia
  • Dry skin
  • Itching
  • Burns