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Vitamin E deficiency causes a neurological disorder characterised by sensory loss, ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa due to free radical mediated neuronal damage. Symptomatic vitamin E deficiency has been reported in genetic defects of the vitamin E transport protein and in malabsorption complicating cholestasis, abetalipoproteinaemia, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis and small bowel resection. There are no reports to date of vitamin E deficiency in patients with primary immunodeficiencies. We describe two CVID patients with the associated enteropathy who developed neurological disease because of vitamin E deficiency, suggesting a possible predisposition to developing this complication. We recommend that all CVID patients with evidence of an enteropathy be screened for vitamin E deficiency, as early detection and consequent treatment may prevent, halt or reverse the neurological sequelae.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.clim.2004.02.001

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clin Immunol

Publication Date

07/2004

Volume

112

Pages

24 - 29

Keywords

Adult, Common Variable Immunodeficiency, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Nervous System Diseases, Vitamin E Deficiency