Implications of Hypervitaminosis A in Chronic Renal Failure
Numerous studies have shown that elevated levels of vitamin A may be found in the liver and plasma of patients with renal failure. Multiple factors may account for this observation including minimal removal by dialysis, accumulation and/or decreased excretion during progression of renal failure, or inadvertent use of vitamin supplements containing vitamin A. This review highlights the normal absorption and metabolism of vitamin A, clinical signs of vitamin A excess, specific biochemical reactions that may contribute to vitamin A toxicity, and the dangers of hypervitaminosis A in the chronic renal failure patient.