Increase in the frequency of scurvy in children with food selectivity: A case series

Juan Aguirre1, Mariela Buscio1, Analía Solari1

  • 1Hospital de Pediatría S.A.M.I.C. Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PubMed

Insights

Recent studies show a rise in pediatric scurvy cases, linked to eating disorders. This vitamin C deficiency causes varied symptoms, including skin and gum issues, impacting collagen synthesis.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Scurvy, a disease stemming from vitamin C deficiency, is increasingly diagnosed in children with eating disorders.
  • Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, a process vital for skin and connective tissue health.

Observation:

  • This study examines a cohort of children diagnosed with scurvy in recent years.
  • Key manifestations include diverse skin symptoms (petechiae, bruising, hyperkeratosis) and mucosal involvement (gingivitis, bleeding, tooth loss).

Findings:

  • The research correlates clinical scurvy presentations with patients' eating behaviors and neurodevelopmental profiles.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, potentially confirmed by plasma vitamin C levels.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of recognizing scurvy in pediatric populations with specific behavioral and developmental conditions.
  • Underscores the need for nutritional assessment in children presenting with unexplained skin and mucosal symptoms.