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 recommended 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.
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