Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness
Published on: May 2, 2017
[Scurvy in intensive care despite vitamin supplementation]
J-L Perret1, D Lagauche, J-C Favier
1Fédération de médecine, HIA Legoust, Metz-Armee. Jlucperret@infonie.fr
Introduction:
Scurvy can occur in hospitalized patients despite vitamin supplementation.
Observation:
A 63 Year-old patient who had spent several weeks in intensive care developed an unexplained anemia and ecchymoses. Despite daily administration of 130 mg/day of vitamin C since his admission, his ascorbic acid blood levels had collapsed. Administration of 1g/day relieved the symptoms within four weeks.
Discussion:
Whether a deficiency had existed prior to admission or not, scurvy developed during the week of intensive care despite parenteral nutrition supplying a daily dose of 130 mg of vitamin C. Such deficiencies decompensated in surgical situations remain a reality in developed countries.
Conclusion:
In certain pathological contexts and in all the growing number of cases in elderly patients and many surgical indications, the need for vitamin C supplementation has to be defined. The needs at that particular time must be taken into account and the prior nutritional status.
More Related Videos
05:23Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
11:56A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Vitamins
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management