Scurvy in Hospitalized Patients

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Hematology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is increasingly recognized in industrialized nations.
• At-risk populations include individuals with specific lifestyle factors and chronic health conditions.
• Micronutrient deficiencies can manifest with diverse clinical symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case series of hospitalized patients diagnosed with scurvy.
• To identify common risk factors for vitamin C deficiency in these patients.
• To underscore the importance of considering scurvy in differential diagnoses for thrombocytopenia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of four hospitalized patients.
• Analysis of patient histories for risk factors associated with micronutrient deficiency.
• Clinical and laboratory data assessment for scurvy diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Four patients were diagnosed with scurvy.
• Patients presented with thrombocytopenia and various risk factors for micronutrient deficiency.
• The findings suggest a link between specific risk factors and scurvy development in hospitalized individuals.

Conclusions:

• Scurvy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia, especially in patients with identifiable risk factors.
• Early recognition and management of vitamin C deficiency are crucial in hospitalized, at-risk populations.
• This case series emphasizes the continued relevance of scurvy in modern medicine.