Abstract |
In a longitudinal study designed to assess the impact of a massive-dose vitamin A programme on the incidence of keratomalacia, 50 000 preschool children in 450 slum areas in Hyderabad city (India) were given 200 000 IU of vitamin A once every 6 months. During the study period, the incidence of keratomalacia in areas covered by the programme decreased by about 80%, while in control areas the reduction was of the order of 20%. To test whether large doses of vitamin A supplements prevented keratomalacia, a case-control analysis was done, with patients with severe protein-energy malnutrition being used as controls. The high odds ratio clearly indicated that keratomalacia was more likely to occur in children not receiving supplements.
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Authors | K Vijayaraghavan, K V Sarma, N P Rao, V Reddy |
Journal | Lancet (London, England)
(Lancet)
Vol. 2
Issue 8395
Pg. 149-51
(Jul 21 1984)
ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England |
PMID | 6146045
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Blindness
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Child, Preschool
- Humans
- India
- Infant
- Longitudinal Studies
- Poverty Areas
- Vitamin A
(administration & dosage)
- Vitamin A Deficiency
(complications, epidemiology, prevention & control)
- Xerophthalmia
(epidemiology, etiology, prevention & control)
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