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[Scurvy after a suicide attempt by starvation]
H Stöger1, M Wilders-Truschnig, M Schmid
1Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Graz.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|April 22, 1994
Summary
This case study highlights severe scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, in a young man presenting with bleeding and anemia. Prompt vitamin C supplementation rapidly resolved the physical symptoms, improving his overall health.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Self-starvation with suicidal intent can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies.
- Scurvy, a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency, presents with a distinct set of clinical signs and symptoms.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with unconsciousness, extensive bleeding (skin, muscles, gums), anemia, and corkscrew-curly body hair.
- Physical examination revealed gingivitis, ecchymoses, petechiae, and abnormal Rumpel-Leede test.
- Laboratory tests showed low hemoglobin, normal mean corpuscular volume, and critically low vitamin C levels.
Findings:
- The patient's clinical presentation and laboratory results were consistent with severe scurvy.
- Intravenous and oral vitamin C administration led to significant clinical improvement within 72 hours.
- Underlying endogenous depression was treated concurrently with clomipramine.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing and treating scurvy, even in developed countries.
- Early diagnosis and intervention with vitamin C are crucial for rapid recovery from scurvy.
- Addressing both nutritional deficiencies and underlying mental health conditions is vital for comprehensive patient care.