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Hepatic hypervitaminosis A: a familial observation
J Sarles1, C Scheiner, M Sarran
1Service de Pédiatrie et Génétique Médicale, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Chronic vitamin A overdose in siblings caused liver damage (hepatic fibrosis). Diagnosis was confirmed by liver biopsy, not blood tests. Recovery was slow even after stopping vitamin A, highlighting the need for hepatic vitamin A assessment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Congenital ichthyosis is a rare skin disorder.
- Vitamin A is essential but toxic in excessive doses.
- Hypervitaminosis A can lead to severe health complications.
Observation:
- Four siblings presented with hepatic fibrosis.
- Liver damage was linked to chronic, high-dose vitamin A intake for ichthyosis.
- Extrahepatic signs aided hypervitaminosis A diagnosis, but liver biopsy was key.
Findings:
- Distinctive hepatic histopathology confirmed vitamin A toxicity.
- Plasma vitamin A and retinol-binding protein levels were unreliable indicators.
- Liver damage resolution was slow despite vitamin A cessation.
Implications:
- This study underscores the critical role of hepatic vitamin A assessment in diagnosing hepatic fibrosis.
- Clinicians should consider vitamin A toxicity in patients with unexplained liver disease, especially those with ichthyosis.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing hypervitaminosis A-induced liver injury.