Modern scurvy

Rian A A Wijkmans1, Koen Talsma2

  • 1Department of Surgery, Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden 8934 AD, The Netherlands rian.wijkmans@znb.nl.

Insights

Scurvy, a historical disease, is reappearing in a new patient group, challenging modern medical assumptions. This case report highlights its continued existence beyond traditional risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Medicine
  • Clinical Case Reports
  • Historical Epidemiology

Background:

  • Scurvy historically impacted maritime populations, leading to significant mortality.
  • Modern medical understanding often underestimates scurvy's prevalence in contemporary settings.

Observation:

  • This case report details a patient presenting with symptoms indicative of scurvy.
  • The patient's demographic and lifestyle factors differ from historical scurvy cohorts.

Findings:

  • The diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed in the observed patient.
  • This suggests a shift in the typical patient profile for vitamin C deficiency.

Implications:

  • Re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria for scurvy in non-traditional patient groups is warranted.
  • Public health awareness regarding vitamin C deficiency may need updating.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering historical diseases in modern clinical practice.

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