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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Scurvy in a 10-month-old boy.
Margarita Larralde1, Andrea Santos Muñoz, Paula Boggio
1Pediatric Dermatology Division and Pediatric Department, Ramos Mejía Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. margaritalarraide@fibertel.com.ar
International Journal of Dermatology
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Infantile scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, can cause severe symptoms in infants fed only cow's milk. Prompt vitamin C supplementation rapidly resolves these symptoms, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Scurvy is a preventable disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
- It is rare in infants, especially those exclusively fed diluted cow's milk without supplementation.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old infant presented with gingival lesions, fever, irritability, and leg pseudoparalysis.
- Radiographic findings included osteopenia and characteristic signs of scurvy like the "corner sign" on femora.
- The infant's diet consisted solely of diluted cow's milk, lacking vitamin C and iron.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests revealed moderate anemia.
- Skeletal X-rays confirmed osteopenia and scorbutic changes.
- Diagnosis of infantile scurvy was established based on clinical presentation, imaging, and dietary history.
Implications:
- The infant showed significant improvement in symptoms within 72 hours of oral vitamin C supplementation.
- This case underscores the importance of considering infantile scurvy in infants with suggestive symptoms and specific dietary histories.
- Highlights the critical role of vitamin C in infant development and the effectiveness of timely ascorbic acid treatment.
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