Clinical Scorecard: Eye-related symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• VAD is prevalent in patients with GI and hepatobiliary disorders, with ocular manifestations.
• Common systemic comorbidities include fatty liver disease, gastric bypass surgery, and cirrhosis.
• 84.6% of patients exhibited anterior segment manifestations; 61.5% had posterior segment findings.
• Vitamin A repletion led to subjective visual improvement and resolution of ophthalmic findings.
• Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible ocular damage.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Serum vitamin A assessment should be considered in at-risk patients.

Management

• Vitamin A repletion is effective in improving ocular symptoms and findings.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Regular monitoring of vitamin A levels in patients with GI and hepatobiliary disorders.

Risks

• Delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible ocular sequelae.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases, especially post-bariatric surgery and those with liver disease.

Timely vitamin A repletion can reverse ocular manifestations of deficiency.

Clinical Best Practices

• Implement routine screening for vitamin A levels in at-risk populations.
• Educate healthcare providers on the ocular manifestations of VAD.
• Encourage multidisciplinary care for early identification and management.

References

• Vitamin A and its role in visual function
• Vitamin A deficiency in developed countries
• Ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency