A 3-year-old female brought to the physician for a routine checkup is found to have a vitamin A deficiency. Which of the following would you expect to observe in this patient?
1.Ataxia
2.Xerophthalmia
3.Cheilosis
4.Diarrhea,dermatitis,and dementia
5.Swollen gums
Solution:
Xerophthalmia (dry eye) is associated with Vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide. Problems of the eye caused by vitamin A deficiency include xerophthalmia, night blindness, and Bitot spots (squamous metaplasia of the corneal epithelium). Vitamin A deficiency also results in dry skin due to loss of sebaceous gland function. Frequent infections are common.
Illustration A shows a child with severe xerophthalmia due to vitamin A deficiency. Note the very dry appearance of the eyes.