Concentration of vitamin A, retinol-binding protein and prealbumin in serum in response to stress: A contribution to the prevention of stress ulcers by means of vitamin A.

Starting from clinical observations indicating a reduction in the stress ulcer rate by parenteral administration of high doses of vitamin A after burns, traumatic damage and surgical operations, the pattern of vitamin A, retinol-binding protein (RBP) and prealbumin (PA) concentrations in serum was studied in a number of patients with multiple traumas (group 1; n equals 32), cranial-cerebral lesions and postoperative conditions (group 2; n equals 27) and patients having undergone gynecologic operation (group 3; n equals 15); the results obtained were compared with the concentrations determined preoperatively and the normal values as reported in the literature. It was seen that the concentrations in the 3 groups were significantly reduced for all 3 parameters. This fall in concentration was observed not only when food was withheld but also with optimal supplies of essential nutrients. Intestinal hemmorrhages occurred in altogether 6 patients of groups 1 and 2 who exhibited serum vitamin A concentrations in the extremely low range and in the lower normal range.