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 symptoms. RESULTS: Median serum retinol concentration was 1.95 mumol/l, range 1.08-4.01 mumol/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 keratoconjunctivitis 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.
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 fibrosispatients to ascertain whether they had ocular signs or symptoms. RESULTS: Median serum retinol concentration was 1.95 mumol/l, range 1.08-4.01 mumol/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 keratoconjunctivitis 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.
Authors: Dongfang Yu; William R Thelin; Troy D Rogers; M Jackson Stutts; Scott H Randell; Barbara R Grubb; Richard C Boucher Journal: Am J Physiol Cell Physiol Date: 2012-07-18 Impact factor: 4.249
Authors: I Tsinopoulos; S Nousia-Arvanitakis; A Galli-Tsinopoulou; N Roubies; K Tentzidou; M Xefteri; N Stangos Journal: Doc Ophthalmol Date: 2000-11 Impact factor: 2.379
Authors: Alyssa M Flores; Scott D Casey; Christian M Felix; Puay W Phuan; A S Verkman; Marc H Levin Journal: FASEB J Date: 2016-02-03 Impact factor: 5.191