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Vitamin A Deficiency Modifies the mfERG: A Case Study of Rod Influence on the mfERG

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Abstract

We report an observational case study which showed that the rod pathway may have a significant effect on the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). A 68-year-old lady diagnosed with Vitamin A deficiency underwent standard ERG and mfERG. ERG rod and cone function were analysed and the first order mfERG responses were determined. At presentation, there was no demonstrable rod function on ERG testing and normal cone function. mfERG P1 amplitude responses were normal but mfERG P1 latency responses were significantly delayed. Four weeks after initiating treatment with intramuscular Vitamin A, ERG rod function significantly improved. However, cone amplitude was reduced and the 30 Hz flicker latencies decreased. Furthermore, mfERG P1 latency returned to normal and interestingly mfERG P1 amplitude responses showed a significant reduction. These results alter our understanding of the mfERG response by indicating that there is a possible inhibitory influence on mfERG responses from rod pathway systems.

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Abbreviations

mfERG:

Multifocal electroretinogram

ERG:

Standard electroretinogram

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ophthalmology Department, Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, , Gartnavel General Hospital, Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK

    Fiona M. Dolan & Teresa Sandinha

  2. Ophthalmology Department, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Crosebar Road, Renfrewshire, Paisley, PA2 9PN, UK

    Alistair Purdy

  3. Electrodiagnostic Unit, Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK

    Stuart Parks & David Keating

Authors
  1. Fiona M. Dolan
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  2. Teresa Sandinha
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  3. Alistair Purdy
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  4. Stuart Parks
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  5. David Keating
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stuart Parks.

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Dolan, F.M., Sandinha, T., Purdy, A. et al. Vitamin A Deficiency Modifies the mfERG: A Case Study of Rod Influence on the mfERG. Doc Ophthalmol 112, 31–34 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-006-0002-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-006-0002-1

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