Ocular findings in cystic fibrosis patients receiving vitamin A supplementation

  • Jean Christian Morkeberg
  • Carsten Edmund
  • Jan Ulrik Prause
  • Susanne Lanng
  • Christin Koch
  • Kim Fleischer Michaelsen
Clinical Investigations
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

Abstract

• Background: Vitamin A deficiency with eye symptoms has been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis who received the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. • Methods: We measured serum retinol, dark adaptation, contrast sensitivity, and dry eye status in 35 adult cystic fibrosis patients to ascertain whether they had ocular signs or symptons. • Results: Median serum retinol concentration was 1.95 μmol/l, range 1.08–4.01 μmol/l, with no values indicating vitamin A deficiency. Retinal light sensitivity was normal. Nineteen patients had reduced contrast sensitivity. Conjunctival imprints all showed plenty of goblet cells, but were characteristic of dry eye in 42% of patients (n=14). Decreased tear film stability was found in 49% (n=17), tear production was low in 31% (n=11), and 23% (n=8) showed an increased amount of dying epithelial cells. Nine patients (26%) had keratocon-junctivitis sicca according to the Copenhagen criteria. • Conclusion: Our patients had no biochemical or clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency. We speculate that the high incidence of dry eye could be a primary manifestation of cystic fibrosis.

Keywords

Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Patient Contrast Sensitivity Serum Retinol Ocular Finding 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1995

Authors and Affiliations

  • Jean Christian Morkeberg
    • 1
    • 2
  • Carsten Edmund
    • 3
    • 4
  • Jan Ulrik Prause
    • 3
    • 5
  • Susanne Lanng
    • 1
  • Christin Koch
    • 1
  • Kim Fleischer Michaelsen
    • 1
    • 6
  1. 1.Department of Pediatrics, Cystic Fibrosis CenterState University HospitalCopenhagen ODenmark
  2. 2.Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisUSA
  3. 3.Department of OphthalmologyState University HospitalCopenhagen ODenmark
  4. 4.Clinic of Aviation MedicineState University HospitalCopenhagen ODenmark
  5. 5.Eye Pathology InstituteUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ODenmark
  6. 6.Research Department of Human NutritionRoyal Veterinary and Agricultural UniversityFrederiksberg CDenmark

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