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[Scurvy in children]
S Fejji1, M A Mongalgi, S Boukthir
1Service de pédiatrie et d'explorations fonctionelles digestives, hôpital d'Enfants de Tunis, Jebbari Bab Saadoun.
Pediatrie
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Scurvy can present misleadingly in encephalopathic children, mimicking other bone conditions. Early diagnosis and ascorbic acid treatment are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency disease, is rare in developed countries.
- Encephalopathic children may have atypical presentations of nutritional deficiencies.
- Bone ultrasonography is an emerging tool for diagnosing pediatric bone abnormalities.
Observation:
- Two 3-year-old girls with encephalopathy presented with symptoms mimicking other bone diseases.
- One child underwent surgery for presumed osteomyelitis, while the other had bleeding and subperiosteal hemorrhage.
- Ultrasonography revealed periosteal cleavage, aiding in the diagnosis of scurvy.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed by deficient diet, clinical signs, and ultrasonographic findings.
- Treatment with ascorbic acid (400 mg/d) resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.
- Bone ultrasonography can exhibit misleading features in scurvy, mimicking other conditions.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering scurvy in encephalopathic children with bone abnormalities.
- Suggests ultrasonography can be a valuable tool for diagnosing scurvy, despite potential for misinterpretation.
- Recommends routine ascorbic acid supplementation for children with severe mental retardation and risk factors for nutritional deficiencies.