Incidence of low vitamin A levels and ocular symptoms after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Received 7 September 2009; received in revised form 25 January 2010; accepted 5 February 2010. published online 03 March 2010. Uncorrected Proof
Abstract
Background
Previous reports have demonstrated a significant incidence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency after bariatric surgery. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of vitamin A deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and to correlate the laboratory findings with ocular symptoms potentially related to vitamin A deficiency.
Methods
All patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were invited to participate in a nutritional screening. The patients completed a detailed survey concerning ocular symptoms and had their vitamin A level evaluated.
Results
A low vitamin A level was identified in 7 (11%) of 64 RYBG patients. Ocular xerosis was present in 18 patients (27%), with night vision changes reported in 45 (68%). Visual disturbances were present in 7 patients (11%) found to have low vitamin A levels, with hypovitaminosis A present in 22% of patients with xerosis (P <.05).
Conclusion
Low vitamin A levels and frequent ocular complaints that might be associated with decreased vitamin A are common findings in the post-RYBG patient population. Additional study is needed to assess the role of routine vitamin A screening and replacement in the postbariatric surgery patient.
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