Chronic vitamin A intoxication in adults. Hepatic, neurologic and dermatologic complications

Two cases of chronic vitamin A intoxication in adults are described, and the literature is reviewed. Hepatocellular damage, portal fibrosis and eventual cirrhosis may result from chronic vitamin A intoxication in man. Neurologic complications are frequent and consist predominantly of increased intracranial pressure, muscle stiffness aggravated by exercise, and mental changes. Teratogenic effects have been documented in animal experiments and affect primarily the development of the central nervous system. Large doses of vitamin A, if prescribed at all for dermatologic conditions, should be given only for limited periods under close medical supervision and should not be given during pregnancy.