|
Overview :
A young child with measles and low reserves of vitamin A may
develop clinical vitamin A deficiency and/or severe measles complications.
Replacement doses of vitamin A are recommeded for these patients.
Patient selection: measles and increased risk for depressed
vitamin A stores
Exclusion: child with evidence of hypervitaminosis A
Risk for reduced vitamin A stores in a pediatric patient:
(1) child < 5 years in a developing country
(2) child < 2 years in a developed country AND
hospitalized
(3) fat malabsorption
Prophylaxis: 1 dose daily for 2 days
|
Age of Patient |
Oral Dose of Vitamin
A |
|
< 12
months |
100,000
IU |
|
>= 12
months |
200,000
IU |
where:
• 1 IU vitamin A = 0.3 µg retinol equivalent (RE)
If the patient has malabsorption or diarrhea then vitamin A
can be given parenterally, but the dose may be lower (check with a
nutritionist).
NOTE: An older patient with measles and malnutrition,
malabsorption or vitamin A deficiency may also benefit from prophylactic therapy
with vitamin A.
|