Related Experiment Videos
[Scurvy. A study of 13 cases]
P Najera-Martínez1, A Rodríguez-Collado, E Gorian-Maldonado
1Servicio de Ortopedia, Hospital del Niño Rodolfo Nieto Padrón, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México.
Insights
Scurvy, a rare vitamin C deficiency disease, was diagnosed in 13 infants with severe malnutrition and infections. Characteristic X-ray findings and symptoms aided diagnosis and treatment with ascorbic acid.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) is infrequently diagnosed in modern times.
- This study reviews cases diagnosed at a specific Mexican hospital over a five-year period.
- The disease presented in infants with severe malnutrition and concurrent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence and clinical presentation of scurvy in infants in southeastern Mexico.
- To highlight the diagnostic clues including clinical, radiological, and treatment response.
- To emphasize the continued relevance of scurvy as a public health concern.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 diagnosed scurvy cases in infants (5-18 months).
- Analysis of clinical symptoms, physical findings, and laboratory data.
- Evaluation of roentgenologic studies for characteristic signs of scurvy.
Main Results:
- All 13 infants presented with third-grade malnutrition and infectious diseases.
- Localized pain in extremities and anemia were predominant symptoms.
- Radiological studies consistently showed Fraenkel line, scurvy lattice, and subperiostitic calcifications.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosis of scurvy relies on chief complaint, physical findings, radiological signs, and response to ascorbic acid.
- Scurvy remains a significant health issue, particularly in urban areas, requiring educational interventions.
- Healthcare providers must remain vigilant for scurvy in at-risk infant populations.
Abstract:
Scurvy or vitamin C deficiency disease it is seen nowadays with a very low frequency. Thirteen cases in which scurvy was diagnosed at Hospital del Niño "Rodolfo Nieto Padrón" at Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, in a 5 years period (from March 1985 through May 1990) were reviewed. The cases occurred in infants between 5 and 18 months. All of them had a third grade malnutrition and also had a concomitant infectious disease. Pain localized on extremities was the most important symptom. Anemia was seen in all cases. Roentgenologic studies showed the presence of Fraenkel line, scurvy lattice and subperiostitic calcifications in all cases; these changes are characteristic of scurvy. The chief complaint, physical findings, radiologic signs and the response to treatment with ascorbic acid will give the clue to make diagnosis. The present report shows the incidence of scurvy in the southeast of the Mexican Republic. We are aware about this disease as a great health problem even nowadays which needs the responsibility of all those who care for infants to assist educational aspects mainly in urban areas.