nutritional disorders
Vitamin A Deficiency
Key Points
Vitamin Adeficiency usually results from dietary deficiency, as occurs in areas where rice, devoid of beta-carotene, is the staple food, but it may result from disorders that interfere with the absorption, storage, or transport ofvitamin A. Ocular findings include impaired night vision (early), conjunctival deposits, and keratomalacia. In children with severe deficiency, growth is slowed and risk of infection is increased. Diagnose based on ocular findings and serum retinol levels. Treat withvitamin Apalmitate. 