Scurvy: forgotten but not gone

Area of Science:

• Nutrition
• Pediatrics
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, is increasingly recognized even in developed nations.
• Subclinical vitamin C deficiency is becoming more prevalent in the general population.
• Clinicians must remain aware of scurvy's potential presentation and risk factors.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old boy presented with severe musculoskeletal pain, weakness, and changes in skin and gums.
• The patient's symptoms were ultimately attributed to vitamin C deficiency.
• A restricted eating pattern was identified as the cause of the deficiency.

Findings:

• Musculoskeletal pain is a common, yet sometimes overlooked, presenting symptom of scurvy in pediatric cases.
• Vitamin C deficiency can manifest with diverse symptoms mimicking other systemic diseases.
• Restricted diets are a significant risk factor for developing scurvy in children.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of scurvy's varied presentation is vital for accurate pediatric diagnosis.
• Prompt identification of vitamin C deficiency can prevent unnecessary and invasive investigations.
• Understanding dietary risk factors aids in preventing scurvy in vulnerable pediatric populations.