Case Report: Uncommon cause of limp in the 21^st century

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Pediatric Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Scurvy, a disease stemming from ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency, historically emerged in the 19th century due to dietary changes like heated milk.
• While rare in developed nations, scurvy persists in pediatric populations, often linked to malnutrition in children with neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Observation:

• The case involves a five-year-old boy presenting with joint pain (arthralgia) and leg deformity (genu valgum).
• Initial investigations aimed to rule out rickets, but radiographic findings indicated metaphyseal changes consistent with scurvy.
• Abnormal eating patterns were noted during hospitalization, leading to the diagnosis of malnutrition-induced scurvy.

Findings:

• Ascorbic acid deficiency leads to scurvy, characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, dental issues, bone abnormalities, joint pain, and impaired wound healing.
• Radiological evidence in the reported case revealed metaphyseal irregularities characteristic of scurvy.
• The patient's condition was attributed to malnutrition stemming from abnormal eating patterns.

Implications:

• Scurvy, though uncommon, requires vigilant diagnosis in at-risk children, especially those with nutritional deficits.
• Prompt identification and targeted treatment are vital to avert potentially fatal complications associated with vitamin C deficiency.
• This case underscores the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in pediatric patients presenting with unexplained bone and joint symptoms.