Scurvy. A case report

Turk J Pediatr. 1998 Apr-Jun;40(2):249-53.

Abstract

An 18-month-old girl presented with irritability, epistaxis, spongy appearance of the gums perifollicular papules with follicular hyperkeratosis, ecchymosis, painful swollen knees and scorbutic rosary. Her diet consisted mainly of wheat flour. X-ray of the knees showed findings compatible with scurvy. Ascorbic acid level was below 0.003 g/L. Ascorbic acid therapy resulted in a dramatic clinical improvement. Scurvy is an uncommon disease in our society today. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of scurvy because it is easily treated with vitamin C replacement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Diet
  • Ecchymosis / etiology
  • Epistaxis / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Radiography
  • Scurvy / blood
  • Scurvy / complications
  • Scurvy / diagnostic imaging*
  • Scurvy / drug therapy

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid