Nyctalopia and conjunctival xerosis indicating vitamin a deficiency in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Thirty-one Cystic Fibrosis patients were investigated for clinical and biochemical evidence of Vitamin A deficiency. All had been prescribed oral pancreatic enzyme replacements and twice the recommended daily requirement of Vitamin A(5000IU). None were aware of any ocular symptoms, but 3 out of 31 (10 per cent) were found to have frank conjunctival xerosis and six (19 per cent) to have abnormal dark adaptation. There was no correlation between the above findings and abnormal liver function or clinical disease severity. All patients with cystic fibrosis should have regular Vitamin A estimations with ophthalmological assessment if serum levels fall below 30 microgm/dl. © 1989, College of Ophthalmologists. All right reserved.