Scurvy: Dietary Discretion in a Developed Country

Abstract

Although the causes have changed, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) is still diagnosed in developed countries. We report a case of an 18-year-old female who presented to our emergency department with thrombocytopenia, sinus tachycardia, hypotension, fatigue, gingival hyperplasia, knee effusion, petechiae and ecchymosis in lower extremities. The differential diagnosis included hematologic abnormalities, infectious etiologies, vasculitis and vitamin deficiency. A brief dietary history was performed revealing poor fruit and vegetable intake, thus increasing our suspicion for vitamin C deficiency. This experience illustrates the importance of a dietary history and reminds us to keep scurvy in the differential diagnosis.

The risk for scurvy in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

“…The treatment for scurvy is vitamin C supplementation 53,57,63 . Various doses and regimens have been successfully used and reported in the literature 57,72 .…”

“…The treatment for scurvy is vitamin C supplementation 53,57,63 . Various doses and regimens have been successfully used and reported in the literature 57,72 . Long‐term nutritional counseling and therapy are essential to address the abnormal eating habits 61 …”

“…6,73 Resolution of bone abnormalities and ecchymoses may take weeks. Complete recovery takes 2‐3 months 57 …”

“…Literature reviewed yielded 77 cases of scurvy described in 65 published papers (Table S1), in addition to the two cases described here 1,8,9,11‐73 …”

Scurvy: A Disease not to be Forgotten

“…Ascorbic acid is also involved in catecholamine synthesis (hydroxylation of dopamine in noradrenaline), iron absorption, and carnitine biosynthesis and has antioxidant functions. 3,4 The vitamin C recommended dietary allowance is 90 mg and 75 mg for adult males and females, respectively. Intestinal vitamin C absorption is regulated by an active dosedependent transporter, which decreases absorption when the doses increase.…”