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Dark adaptation in early primary biliary cirrhosis
S H Hussaini1, T Henderson, A J Morrell
1Academic Division of Medicine, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. s.h.hussaini@leeds.ac.uk
Eye (London, England)
|October 17, 1998
Summary
Early primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) impairs dark adaptation, even with vitamin A supplementation. Monitoring vitamin A is crucial for older PBC patients with jaundice.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The role of vitamin A in early primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is not well understood.
- Primary biliary cirrhosis can affect various bodily functions, including vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early primary biliary cirrhosis on dark adaptation.
- To assess vitamin A status and its relationship with visual function in PBC patients.
Main Methods:
- Assessed dark adaptation in 10 early PBC patients and age/sex-matched controls.
- Measured vitamin-A-related compounds and serum bilirubin levels.
- Correlated visual function with clinical parameters like age and bilirubin.
Main Results:
- Patients with early PBC showed significantly impaired dark adaptation compared to controls.
- Impaired dark adaptation was linked to higher serum bilirubin and increased age.
- Some patients had abnormal dark adaptation despite regular vitamin A intake, with two showing low serum vitamin A.
Conclusions:
- Early PBC is associated with modest impairment in dark adaptation, potentially not significantly impacting overall visual function.
- Vitamin A supplementation is advisable for older PBC patients experiencing jaundice.
- Careful monitoring of vitamin A supplementation effects is recommended in this patient group.
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