Treatment of Vitamin A Deficiency in Children

Points to Ponder for NEET-PG, FMGE & NEXT

• Oral vitamin A is the preferred treatment for most children with vitamin A deficiency.
• Consider parenteral therapy for severe cases or those unable to take oral medications.
• Vitamin A supplementation is crucial in preventing deficiency, especially in high-risk groups like infants and children with measles.

Oral Therapy

• Dose:
  • Children ≥ 1 year or ≥ 8 kg:
    • 200,000 IU on day of presentation, next day, and 2-4 weeks later.
  • Children < 1 year or < 8 kg:
    • Half the dose of the above regimen (approximately 100,000 IU).
• Follow-up: Repeat 200,000 IU dose every 6 months up to 6 years of age to prevent recurrence.

Parenteral Therapy

• Indication: Severe disease, inability to take oral medications, or malabsorption.
• Dose: 100,000 IU of vitamin A administered intramuscularly.

Treatment of Vitamin A Deficiency in Children with Severe Measles

• All children with severe measles should receive vitamin A supplementation due to its potential benefits in:
  • Preventing blindness
  • Reducing mortality

Prevention

• Prophylaxis: Periodic administration of vitamin A supplements according to WHO recommendations:
  • Infants 6-12 months and children < 8 kg: 100,000 IU orally every 3-6 months.
  • Children 1-6 years old: 200,000 IU orally every 6 months.
  • Non-breastfed infants < 6 months: 50,000 IU orally before 6 months of age.

Quiz