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Night Blindness in Cystic Fibrosis: The Key Role of Vitamin A in the Digestive System

Vitamin A is a fundamental micronutrient that regulates various cellular patterns. Vitamin A deficiency (VAT) is a worldwide problem and the primary cause of nocturnal blindness especially in low income countries. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a known risk factor of VAD because of liposoluble vitamin mala...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Norsa, Lorenzo, Zazzeron, Laura, Cuomo, Marialaura, Claut, Laura, Bulfamante, Anna Marta Clotilde, Biffi, Arianna, Colombo, Carla
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: MDPI 2019
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723039/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31412557
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu11081876
Descripción
Sumario:Vitamin A is a fundamental micronutrient that regulates various cellular patterns. Vitamin A deficiency (VAT) is a worldwide problem and the primary cause of nocturnal blindness especially in low income countries. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a known risk factor of VAD because of liposoluble vitamin malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency. We describe a case of a 9-year-old girl who experienced recurrent episodes of nocturnal blindness due to profound VAD. This little girl is paradigmatic for the explanation of the key role of the gut–liver axis in vitamin A metabolism. She presents with meconium ileus at birth, requiring intestinal resection that led to a transient intestinal failure with parenteral nutrition need. In addition, she suffered from cholestatic liver disease due to CF and intestinal failure-associated liver disease. The interaction of pancreatic function, intestinal absorption and liver storage is fundamental for the correct metabolism of vitamin A.