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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Hidden Hunger: A Pellagra Case Report.

Hugo Pinheiro¹, Margarida Matos Bela¹, Ana Filipa Leal¹

¹Internal Medicine, Tâmega e Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, PRT.

|May 31, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pellagra, a niacin deficiency disease, can be deadly but is treatable. Early diagnosis based on skin, digestive, and neurological symptoms is crucial for recovery.

Keywords:

niacin pellagra

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Area of Science:

Nutritional Science
Dermatology
Neurology

Background:

Pellagra is a severe nutritional deficiency disease resulting from a lack of niacin (vitamin B3).
While rare in developed nations, pellagra persists in vulnerable populations globally.
Diagnosis typically relies on identifying characteristic dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Observation:

A case study details a woman presenting with skin hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratinization on sun-exposed areas.
The patient also exhibited watery diarrhea and progressive cognitive decline, including disorientation and disorganized speech.
Dietary history revealed exclusive consumption of cassava root meals.

Findings:

Niacin deficiency was confirmed as the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Alternative diagnoses were ruled out.
Treatment with nicotinamide (a form of niacin) led to a complete recovery.

Implications:

This case underscores the importance of considering pellagra in patients with compatible symptoms, especially those with poor dietary intake.
Prompt diagnosis and nicotinamide supplementation offer a highly effective and life-saving treatment.
Maintaining a high index of suspicion is vital for timely intervention in this potentially fatal condition.