scholarly journals Scurvy is Back

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117863881880909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Ann Callus ◽  
Samantha Vella ◽  
Peter Ferry

Background and objective: Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as ‘The Pirates’ Disease’. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern medicine, we present 2 cases of elderly gentlemen found to have scurvy, who improved significantly on treatment. Methods: This study presents a case report of 2 patients undergoing rehabilitation at Karin Grech Hospital in Malta, noted to have signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C levels were found to be low and thus supplementation was administered. Results: After a few weeks, a significant improvement was noted in level of frailty, mood, bleeding tendency, and gum health. Conclusions: The modern doctor must keep this ancient disease in mind, as it presents insidiously with debilitating repercussions, particularly in older people who are at a higher risk. It is easily treatable once detected.

Dental Update ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 662-671
Author(s):  
Rachael Y Jablonski ◽  
Bethany Rushworth ◽  
Kathryn A Durey

Gingival overgrowth is the enlargement of gingival tissues and has various underlying aetiological factors. This case report highlights the multifactorial aetiology of gingival overgrowth for a patient who was prescribed an immunosuppressive strategy following renal transplantation, had poor levels of oral hygiene and a diet deficient in fruit and vegetables. The report highlights the importance of a detailed assessment to identify all underlying factors and demonstrates how a referral to the specialist services for gingival overgrowth led to a diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency. It also illustrates how both patient engagement and a conservative cause-related therapy can achieve a satisfactory resolution without any surgical intervention. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case report highlights the importance of a detailed assessment to diagnose all relevant underlying aetiological factors involved in the development of gingival overgrowth. It also illustrates how both patient engagement and a conservative cause-related therapy can achieve a satisfactory resolution of gingival overgrowth without any surgical intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-83
Author(s):  
Eka Sri Rahayu ◽  
Mardy Pangarungan

A B S T R A C TScurvy is a rare case found in many countries, but it is often found in refugeeareas, especially in Africa. Vitamin C deficiency varies based on season and occursmore in men with age. The purpose of this research is to avoid misdiagnosis so thatit can be a reference in the field of medicine to diagnose and provide management onscurvy. This prospective research was conducted with one sample of research.Observation had been carried out for two months, starting at one month after thepatient was suspected with the diagnosis of scurvy. Computer Tomography (CT) Scanlumbosacral to pelvic results were normal. Laboratory test of HB result was 9.5 g/dl,in which MCV was 63.2 fL, MCH was 20.3 pg, and MCHC was 32.1 g/dl. Scurvytreatment in the first visit was 3x1 tablets vitamin C, 3x5 ml ibuprofen Syr, andphysiotherapy. The results were that the patient still suffered swollen and bleedinggums, but the pain no longer existed, pale, behavioural disorders, unable to walk,and pain in both knees. After the second visit, the child got therapy of 4x50 mg vitaminC, 1x1 tablets vitamin B12, 1x150 IU vitamin E, 1x1 tablets cavit D3, andphysiotherapy. After two weeks of treatment, there were no complaints of swelling,painful or bleeding gums. The child could straighten her legs, but she was still unableto walk due to the trauma of feeling great pain while walking. Special attention isrequired to diagnose appropriately so the doctor can minimize and preventcomplications.


2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah Gariballa

Background: Vitamin C has important physical and mental health benefits and plasma concentrations reflect recent intakes. Inflammation associated with any acute illness can lead to poor appetite and low food intake in older people. The aims of this report were to assess the prevalence and clinical significance of vitamin C deficiency among hospitalized acutely-ill older patients. Methods: Three hundred and twenty two patients (152 [47 %] female), aged 65 yrs. and over who took part in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial had their nutritional status assessed from anthropometric, hematological and biochemical data at baseline, and after 6 weeks and 6 months. Vitamin C was measured using a fluorimetric technique and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of a number of clinical indicators, including tissue inflammation measured using C-reactive protein on vitamin C concentrations. Clinical outcome measures including symptoms of depression were also compared between patients with vitamin C deficiency and those with normal levels. Results: At baseline, 116 (36 %) patients had a vitamin C concentration below 11 µmol/L indicating biochemical depletion. The figures at 6 weeks and 6 months were 28 (22 %) and 44 (28 %) patients, respectively. Older age, male gender, smoking, increased dependency and tissue inflammation were associated with lower vitamin C concentrations. Patients with vitamin C biochemical depletion had significantly increased symptoms of depression compared with those with higher concentrations at baseline (p = 0.035) and at 6 weeks (p = 0.028). Conclusions: A high proportion of older patients had sub-optimal vitamin C status and this was associated with increased symptoms of depression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Girish Singhania ◽  
Namrata Singhania ◽  
Neha Chawla

We report a case of myopathy in a chronic alcoholic patient with scurvy who presented with generalized weakness, myalgias, and arthralgia. Our case raises awareness regarding rare interaction between vitamin C deficiency and myopathy which is seen more commonly in patients with history of chronic alcoholism and low socioeconomic status. Early treatment with vitamin C replacement is helpful in treatment of the disease and its complications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 8323
Author(s):  
Maria Francesca Gicchino ◽  
Antonio Romano ◽  
Speranza Cioffi ◽  
Fausto Fiori ◽  
Emanuele Miraglia del Giudice ◽  
...  

Scurvy is generated by lack of vitamin C; although it is considered a rare and past disease, scurvy continues to be detected in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and with selective diet habits. Identifying scurvy can be demanding due to the perceived rarity of the condition, and it can become a tricky diagnostic question given to the variety of nonspecific symptoms, including gingival manifestations. This study aims to identify most common clinical features in order to provide a complete picture of the signs and symptoms, and to offer clinicians the diagnostic tools for identifying patients suffering from scurvy. We present a case report of a child affected by scurvy; it has also been performed as a systematic review about scurvy in pediatric population. A search yielded 107 relevant studies since 1990. Most of the identified cases have shown oral, musculoskeletal and cutaneous manifestation that improved within a few days of starting vitamin C therapy. Identifying scurvy’s characteristic clinical features allows a timely diagnosis, thus avoiding invasive investigations. Pediatric dentists should possess adequate knowledge and experience to identify the main characteristics of scurvy. This can help facilitate a prompt diagnosis in order to provide timely intervention to the patient that is relatively ease and safe.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaseen Rafee ◽  
Katherine Burrell ◽  
Crystal Cederna-Meko

Background Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogenous neurodevelopmental condition accompanied by a variety of associated features. Case reports suggest one such associated feature, food selectivity, increases risk for nutritional deficiencies; however, little attention has been given to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Method Single case report. Results This single case report presents a child with autism spectrum disorder and food selectivity difficulties that resulted in severe vitamin C deficiency. Although eventually corrected, the nutritional deficiency was debilitating, required invasive interventions, and resulted in significant social/emotional and economic costs. Conclusions We review the course of treatment and highlight strategies to prevent and more effectively treat nutritional deficiencies in youth with autism spectrum disorder.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
Eka Sri Rahayu ◽  
Mardy Pangarungan

Scurvy is a rare case found in many countries, but it is often found in refugeeareas, especially in Africa. Vitamin C deficiency varies based on season and occursmore in men with age. The purpose of this research is to avoid misdiagnosis so thatit can be a reference in the field of medicine to diagnose and provide managementon scurvy. This prospective research was conducted with one sample of research.Observation had been carried out for two months, starting at one month after thepatient was suspected with the diagnosis of scurvy. Computer Tomography (CT)Scan lumbosacral to pelvic results were normal. Laboratory test of HB result was9.5 g/dl, in which MCV was 63.2 fL, MCH was 20.3 pg, and MCHC was 32.1 g/dl.Scurvy treatment in the first visit was 3x1 tablets vitamin C, 3x5 ml ibuprofen Syr,and physiotherapy. The results were that the patient still suffered swollen andbleeding gums, but the pain no longer existed, pale, behavioural disorders, unableto walk, and pain in both knees. After the second visit, the child got therapy of 4x50mg vitamin C, 1x1 tablets vitamin B12, 1x150 IU vitamin E, 1x1 tablets cavit D3,and physiotherapy. After two weeks of treatment, there were no complaints ofswelling, painful or bleeding gums. The child could straighten her legs, but she wasstill unable to walk due to the trauma of feeling great pain while walking. Specialattention is required to diagnose appropriately so the doctor can minimize andprevent complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. e331-e332
Author(s):  
A. Martel ◽  
L. Ngo ◽  
L. Mondot ◽  
S. Baillif ◽  
N. Tieuilie

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