Dr. KETAKI SHASHANK SUBHEDAR

Dr. SHAILJA TIBREWAL, Dr.SHAH CHINTAN MUKESHKUMAR, Dr.Pradhnya Wasule

Abstract

Experimental animal studies have shown association of maternal vitamin A deficiency(VAD) & severe globe malformations. We explored this association in humans by a multicentric observational case-control study. Cases consisted of MAC patients & controls consisted of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction or allergic conjunctivitis patients below 3 years presenting age. We studied antenatal nightblindness(NB) & other possible risk factors. Amongst 220 cases & 219 controls, 73(33.3%) & 7(3.2%) respectively, had antenatal NB (p<0.001). Out of 70 cases of anophthalmos & severe microphthalmos, 46 had antenatal NB (65.7%) as opposed to 27 from rest of the cases (18%). Consanguinity,dietary history,antenatal fever or medications, were comparable amongst 2 groups. Birth order of 2nd or more was seen in 75.34% of cases as compared to 27.3% of controls(p<0.001). Both maternal VAD & higher birth order signify possibility of maternal nutrition in causation of MAC disorders which needs exploration

Full Text