Chapter 4 - Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89)»Other nutritional deficiencies (E50-E64)»Vitamin A deficiency (E50)

E50

Vitamin A deficiency

Sub-codes (10)

Related indications (MeSH) (1)

Vitamin A Deficiency20 drugs (4 approved, 16 experimental)

A nutritional condition produced by a deficiency of VITAMIN A in the diet, characterized by NIGHT BLINDNESS and other ocular manifestations such as dryness of the conjunctiva and later of the cornea (XEROPHTHALMIA). Vitamin A deficiency is a very common problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries as a consequence of famine or shortages of vitamin A-rich foods. In the United States it is found among the urban poor, the elderly, alcoholics, and patients with malabsorption. (From Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 19th ed, p1179)