Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) after a duodenal switch procedure: a case report

Obes Surg. 2010 Mar;20(3):397-400. doi: 10.1007/s11695-009-9913-8. Epub 2009 Jul 15.

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) after bariatric surgery is a well-documented complication. Clinical signs of VAD deficiency are significant if the vitamin A level is below 100 mug/L (4 mumol/L). Main symptom of VAD is nyctalopia. It has been described in several reports after malabsorptive bariatric procedures. We report a 52-year-old man with VAD complained of night blindness and optic neuropathy after undergoing a duodenal switch procedure. The case illustrates the necessity of lifelong vitamin supplementation after malabsorptive bariatric operations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery / adverse effects*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Duodenum / metabolism
  • Duodenum / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / complications
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Night Blindness / diagnosis
  • Night Blindness / etiology
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / etiology*

Substances

  • Vitamin A