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Simulated bleeding--a forgotten disease in a land of plenty
K H Lim1, C Rajasoorya, L S Chew
1Department of Medicine Alexandra Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, a condition treatable with vitamin C supplements. Early diagnosis is crucial as scurvy symptoms can mimic other serious diseases, emphasizing the need for provider awareness.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Internal Medicine
- Medical History
Background:
- The human body cannot synthesize Vitamin C, necessitating dietary intake.
- Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, a potentially serious condition.
Observation:
- Scurvy symptoms can mimic other medical conditions such as bleeding diathesis and deep vein thrombosis.
- This diagnostic challenge can delay appropriate treatment, prolonging patient suffering.
- The disease can be easily overlooked if not actively considered in differential diagnoses.
Findings:
- Scurvy is readily diagnosed by considering its characteristic clinical features.
- Treatment involves high-dose oral Vitamin C, leading to rapid improvement.
- Recurrences are possible, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and patient education.
Implications:
- Increased awareness among healthcare providers is essential for timely scurvy diagnosis and management.
- Recognizing scurvy's potential mimicry of other conditions can prevent diagnostic delays.
- Highlighting local cases reinforces the continued relevance of scurvy in contemporary society.
Abstract:
The human body is unable to synthesise Vitamin C and a diet deficient in Vitamin C leads to scurvy. Scurvy may mimic other medical conditions, like bleeding diasthesis or deep vein thrombosis, leading to delay in diagnosis and treatment, thus prolonging sufferings of patients. Often, scurvy could have been diagnosed if it is thought of and features of scurvy carefully looked for. Scurvy is easily treated with high dose of oral vitamin C. Recurrences may occur. Education of care providers cannot be overemphasised. We report three local cases of scurvy to highlight the existence of the disease in our modern society.