Conjunctival impression cytology for detection of early vitamin A deficiency in children.

Children presenting with recurrent infections have a high risk of developing vitamin A deficiency. Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) was used in the present study in such children to detect subclinical deficiency and to monitor the outcome after therapy. Seventy children with history of recurrent infections, and 10 healthy children in the age group of six months to five years were included in the study. CIC was performed using millipore filter paper and stained with PAS stain. A three tier grading system was used consisting of normal, borderline abnormal and abnormal for interpretation. Vitamin A supplementation was given in children in the latter two categories. Repeat cytology showed reversal to normal in these children. Hence in children with high risk of developing vitamin A deficiency, it is suggested to do CIC for detection and monitoring it.