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Scurvy in hospitalized elderly patients
A Raynaud-Simon1, J Cohen-Bittan, A Gouronnec
1Service de gériatrie, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|July 10, 2010
Summary
Scurvy symptoms are common in hospitalized elderly patients, with 94% showing vitamin C deficiency. Clinical signs can reliably diagnose scurvy in this population, indicating it
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Scurvy, a condition resulting from vitamin C deficiency, can present with subtle clinical signs.
- Early identification of scurvy in hospitalized elderly patients is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically screen hospitalized elderly patients for clinical symptoms suggestive of scurvy.
- To validate clinical scurvy diagnoses using biological markers, specifically Serum Ascorbic Acid Level (SAAL).
- To compare nutritional status, comorbidities, and outcomes between patients with and without scurvy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted in a geriatric acute care ward.
- Patients were screened for scurvy symptoms including perifollicular hyperkeratosis, petechiae, bruising, and gingivitis.
- Blood samples were analyzed for SAAL, vitamin levels, and iron status; outcomes like in-hospital mortality were recorded.
Main Results:
- Scurvy symptoms were identified in 12% (18/145) of hospitalized elderly patients.
- Patients with scurvy exhibited significantly lower SAAL (1.09 vs 4.87 mg/L) and higher rates of vitamin C deficiency (94% vs 30%).
- The scurvy group had increased prevalence of coronary heart disease, need for feeding assistance, and in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions:
- Clinical symptoms of scurvy are a reliable indicator of vitamin C deficiency in hospitalized elderly patients.
- Scurvy is potentially a frequent and underdiagnosed condition in acute geriatric care settings.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of scurvy can mitigate associated health risks and improve patient outcomes.
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