Explain the Treatment of vitamin A deficiency?

All forms of vitamin A deficiency are treated with a massive oral dose of vitamin A in oil (200,000 IU), immediately after diagnosis. The health workers may refer all cases of corneal xerophthalmia, after first administering vitamin A, to medical doctor. Secondary infections should be controlled with suitable antibiotics. IT necessary, a second dose may be given 48 hours after the first dose. Since more than 90% of the cases of Keratomalacia are associated with severe clinical protein energy malnutrition (kwashiorkor or marasmus), he patients should also be treated for the same. A schedule recommended by WHO for treatment of individuals with corneal xeropthalmia is given in Table.

Table: Treatment of xeropthalmia in all ages

In women of reproductive age group with night blindness or bitots spots, a daily dose of 10 000 IU or a weekly dose of 25 000 IU of vitamin A for at least 4 weeks is the recommended treatment schedule. In population with a high prevalence of HIV infection (>l0%), neonates should be given an extra dose of 50 000 IU at birth.