Scurvy extinct? Think again!

Area of Science:

• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Pediatric Medicine
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, is infrequently diagnosed in pediatric patients despite its sporadic occurrence in developed nations.
• Vitamin C deficiency can result from inadequate dietary intake or impaired absorption, leading to scurvy.
• This condition, though uncommon, warrants consideration in pediatric cases presenting with suggestive symptoms.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old boy presented with classic scurvy symptoms including bleeding gums, musculoskeletal pain, and general weakness.
• Initial laboratory investigations, including hemoglobin and total blood count, were performed.
• The patient's condition showed remarkable improvement within four days of initiating oral vitamin C supplementation.

Findings:

• The clinical presentation, laboratory results, and rapid positive response to ascorbic acid confirmed the diagnosis of scurvy.
• This case highlights that scurvy is not extinct and can manifest in children.
• Effective treatment involves timely vitamin C supplementation.

Implications:

• Oral and general physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for scurvy in pediatric patients with relevant symptoms.
• Early recognition and intervention are crucial for successful treatment and recovery.
• This case underscores the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in differential diagnoses.