Focal Retardation and Arrestment of Growth of Bones Due to Vitamin A Intoxication

Abstract

Retardation of growth and early closure of the epiphyses were observed in seven children hospitalized for severe symptoms of hypervitaminosis A. The acute symptoms abated after the excessive intake of vitamin A was stopped, but the bony changes were more lasting and in three cases the growth of the legs was seriously impaired. The large doses of vitamin A preparations had been administered to the children at home by their mothers, who had increased the dosages prescribed by their respective physicians. The evidence indicated that children differ as to the rate at which they metabolize vitamin A, and the amount of vitamin required to cause intoxication varied considerably.