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Shi J, Caldwell J, Sheck L, Tsang B, Alekzander R, Escardo-Paton J, Vincent AL, Spooner C, Heppner P, Danesh-Meyer H, Hull S. Optic neuropathy from hypovitaminosis A in a series of children with severe dietary restrictions. J Paediatr Child Health 2024. [PMID: 39051625 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
AIM Hypovitaminosis A is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, especially in developing nations. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble essential micronutrient that serves vital functions in the visual system and in regulating bone resorption. We report on a series of four children with mixed nutritional and compressive optic neuropathy and provide a review of the literature. METHODS A retrospective observational study of four males (ages 9-12), three with autism spectrum disorder who presented with loss of vision and multiple vitamin deficiencies including hypovitaminosis A. RESULTS Patients presented with unexplained visual loss or a change in visual behaviour. All patients had severely restricted diet comprising of predominantly carbohydrates. Two of the four cases demonstrated optic nerve pallor at initial presentation with marked optic atrophy developing in all patients over time. Electrophysiology available in two patients demonstrated optic nerve dysfunction with preserved retinal function. Extensive investigations revealed profound deficiency in multiple vitamins including vitamin A (<0.1-0.2 μmol/L, normal = 0.9-1.7 μmol/L). Three patients also had low vitamin B12 (90-111 pmol/L, normal = 170-800 pmol/L) with normal folate. All four cases had radiological evidence of skull base thickening indicative of low vitamin A. Genetic testing did not find any relevant pathogenic variants. CONCLUSIONS Hypovitaminosis A is a crucial form of nutritional deprivation that results in significant visual loss with potential hyperostosis and optic nerve compression exacerbating nutritional optic neuropathy. Additional micronutrient deficiencies usually co-exist and may contribute. Extra vigilance in vitamin replacement is required of clinicians with patients with autism who have restricted diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Shi
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James Caldwell
- Radiology, Auckland City Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Leo Sheck
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bobby Tsang
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Paediatrics, Waitemata, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Alekzander
- Paediatrics, Counties Manukau, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Julia Escardo-Paton
- Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea L Vincent
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Claire Spooner
- Paediatric Neurology, Starship Childrens Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Heppner
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Paediatric Neurosurgery, Starship Childrens Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Helen Danesh-Meyer
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Hull
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
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Yamada F, Kato K, Nagashima R, Yonekawa Y, Kashima Y, Kondo M. Case of persistent corneal epithelial damage after cataract surgery leading to diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency. Doc Ophthalmol 2024; 148:121-128. [PMID: 38265517 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-023-09963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report our findings of reduced full-field electroretinograms (ff-ERGs) and abnormal optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images in a patient with poor visual acuity after cataract surgery who was eventually diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency (VAD). METHODS This was a clinical study of a patient who complained of blurred vision after cataract surgery. To determine the cause of the reduced vision, we recorded full-field electroretinograms (ff-ERGs) to determine the scotopic and photopic status of the retina. We also performed optical coherence tomography to assess the changes in the retinal structure. Serological tests were performed. RESULTS A 74-year-old man presented with persistent corneal epithelial damages and reduced vision that developed after conventional cataract surgery. OCT showed an interrupted ellipsoid zone, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) showed a severe hypofluorescence in the retina of the left eye. The scotopic ff-ERGs were severely reduced, and the photopic ff-ERGs were mildly reduced. Serological examinations revealed a vitamin A concentration < 7 IU/dL (normal, 97-316 IU/dL). Based on these findings, we diagnosed the patient with VAD and started treatment with oral vitamin A supplements. After three months, his visual acuity, ff-ERGs, and OCT findings recovered to normal levels. The amplitudes and implicit times of the RETeval flicker ERGs increased to be within the normal range, and the hypofluorescence of the left eye disappeared. The length of the photoreceptor outer segments increased after the vitamin A supplementation. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the ERGs are helpful for diagnosing patients with VAD associated with persistent corneal epithelial damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyuki Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kumiko Kato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Ryunosuke Nagashima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yuka Yonekawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yuzen Kashima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
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Chen P, Song XJ. Vitamins in neuropathy: pathophysiological and therapeutic roles. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:388-393. [PMID: 37639435 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vitamin deficiency is a risk factor in the development of peripheral neuropathy, which leads to complex and severe diseases. This review provides an update overview of the literature on the roles of vitamins in peripheral neuropathy, highlighting their pathophysiological and therapeutic roles. RECENT FINDINGS The importance and clinical manifestations and implications of the vitamins and vitamin deficiencies are further demonstrated in peripheral neuropathy and the associated diseases. Vitamin deficiency is common in various severe and complex diseases such as diabetes, chemotherapy, acute nutritional axonal neuropathy, dermatitis, complex regional pain syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so forth and some rare clinical case reports. There is evidence that deficiencies of almost all vitamins are associated with diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin supplementation may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy. SUMMARY The vitamins play critical roles in maintaining physiological functions, and vitamin deficiencies cause peripheral neuropathy with various severe and complex diseases. The therapeutic benefits of vitamins and further understanding of the mechanisms for vitamin treatment effects should be emphasized and highlighted. More clinical trials are needed to establish optimal treatment strategies for vitamins in the various neuropathies. A large range of people/patients screening for vitamin deficiencies may be considered in order to provide early diagnosis and timely medical assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and SUSTech Center for Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Pereira A, Adekunle RD, Zaman M, Wan MJ. Association Between Vitamin Deficiencies and Ophthalmological Conditions. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:2045-2062. [PMID: 37489231 PMCID: PMC10363387 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s401262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin deficiencies can have adverse effects on health, including on the visual system. The ocular manifestations of a vitamin deficiency are related to the underlying biochemical function of the particular nutrient. While vitamin deficiencies are not common in developed counties, they are still prevalent in parts of the developing world and in specific, vulnerable populations. Vitamin deficiencies can cause or contribute to many ophthalmological conditions and eye diseases may even be the first presenting finding of a vitamin deficiency. As such, it is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the ocular manifestations of vitamin deficiencies, especially given that the complications can be severe and effectively treated if identified early. This review summarizes the literature on the main vitamins known to have characteristic ocular manifestations: vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, B12, C, D, E and K. The function, epidemiology, manifestations, workup, and management of each vitamin is discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Pereira
- University of Toronto Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Damilola Adekunle
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Michele Zaman
- Queen’s School of Medicine, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Wan
- University of Toronto Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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