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[Pellagra: diagnosis still valid]
P Llancapi1, E Wagemann, M Namoncura
1Servicio de Dermatologia, Hospital Regional Guillermo Grant Benavente, Concepción, Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|August 12, 1998
Summary
Pellagra, a niacin deficiency disease, presents with skin lesions and sometimes mental changes, particularly in alcoholics. Early diagnosis and nicotinic acid treatment lead to significant clinical improvement.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Pellagra, a disease resulting from niacin deficiency, was first documented in 1730.
- It is commonly observed in individuals with alcohol use disorder, malabsorption syndromes, and psychiatric conditions.
Observation:
- The study details three cases of pellagra in alcoholic patients (one female) aged 32, 57, and 26.
- Patients exhibited characteristic desquamative and hyperpigmented skin lesions on sun-exposed areas.
- One patient presented with neurological symptoms, including aggressiveness and clouded consciousness.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of pellagra was confirmed in all three patients.
- Treatment with nicotinic acid (niacin) was initiated for all individuals.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the importance of recognizing pellagra in at-risk populations.
- Prompt treatment with nicotinic acid demonstrates effective clinical recovery from pellagra.
- Understanding the clinical manifestations aids in timely diagnosis and management of niacin deficiency disorders.