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Relationship between measles, malnutrition, and blindness: a prospective study in Indian children
Abstract:
A prospective study was conducted in slum children to determine the incidence of post-measles corneal disease and to clarify its relationship with nutritional status. A total of 318 cases of measles were identified over a period of 15 mo; maximum incidence was observed for children between 1-2 yr. Most of the children showed weight loss and serum proteins decrease during the acute stage of measles. Corneal lesions were observed in 3% of the children, and the lesions responded well to treatment. Serum vitamin A and RBP levels were significantly depressed during the acute stage of measles but were restored to normal 8 wk after recovery. There were no significant differences in the serum levels for those with and without eye lesions, which suggests that these lesions may not be mediated simply through the effect of infection on serum concentration of vitamin A.
Insights
This study found that 3% of slum children with measles developed corneal disease. Nutritional status, specifically vitamin A levels, did not appear to directly cause these eye lesions in measles patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Measles is a common childhood illness, particularly in slum settings.
- Post-measles complications, including corneal disease, can lead to significant morbidity.
- Nutritional status, especially vitamin A deficiency, is often implicated in measles complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of post-measles corneal disease in slum children.
- To investigate the relationship between nutritional status and post-measles corneal disease.
- To assess the impact of measles infection on serum vitamin A and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study design was employed.
- 318 cases of measles in slum children were identified over 15 months.
- Nutritional status (weight, serum proteins, serum vitamin A, RBP) was assessed during acute measles and 8 weeks post-recovery.
Main Results:
- The incidence of post-measles corneal disease was 3%.
- Children experienced weight loss and decreased serum proteins during acute measles.
- Serum vitamin A and RBP levels were depressed during acute measles but normalized post-recovery.
- No significant difference in vitamin A or RBP levels was found between children with and without eye lesions.
Conclusions:
- Post-measles corneal disease occurs in a small percentage of slum children.
- The observed corneal lesions may not be solely due to infection-induced changes in vitamin A levels.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms behind post-measles corneal disease.