[Serum vitamin A and beta-carotin levels in endemic nephropathy]

Serum levels of vitamin A and beta-carotin were determined in 30 clinically healthy subjects and in 50 patients with endemic nephropath, with and without xanthodermia. Elevated values of serum vitamin A and diminished values of beta-carotin were observed in all endemic patients. The ratio beta-carotin/vitamin A in all the groups endemic patients is decreased, the lowest being in the group of patients with xanthodermia and nitrogen retention. In decompensated stage of the disease, a more manifested decrease of serum beta-carotin is observed. An attempt is made for elucidation of the xanthodermia observed in the patients with endemic nephropathy on the base of the results obtained.