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Scurvy: forgotten but not gone

J D Akikusa1, D Garrick, M C Nash

  • 1Department of General Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. jonathan.akikusa@sympatico.ca

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|January 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, can occur in developed countries. Early recognition of symptoms like musculoskeletal pain is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis in children with restricted diets.

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.

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