Conjunctival impression cytology for detection of early vitamin A deficiency in children and its prognosis after therapy

ABSTRACT

Conjunctival impression cytology [CIC] was used to detect subclinical deficiency of vitamin A and to monitor the outcome after therapy in children at high risk. One hundered child aged two to seven years were included in this study. All cases were from Ain-Shams University Hospital, out-patient clinic, of the same social class and of different sex. Conjunctival impression cytology was performed using Millipore[TM] filter paper and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain, in addition to Periodic Acid Schiff. Impression cytology was repeated after vitamin A supplementation in suspected cases. All data were recorded and analysed. Conjunctival impression cytology was normal in 38% of cases, while 62% of samples showed variable cytological changes. The repeated cytology after vitamin A Supplementation in abnormal cases showed reversal to normal cytology. In children at high risk of developing vitamin A deficiency, it is suggested to do Conjunctival impression cytology for detection and monitoring it