A carregar...
Scurvy in a 5-Year-Old Girl - A Re-emerging Diagnosis
| Nome: | Descrição: | Tamanho: | Formato: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 592.38 KB | Adobe PDF |
Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
Monotonous diets may lead to various nutritional deficits, which in turn can result in diseases such as scurvy.
A five-year-old girl presented with a one-month history of anorexia, inability to walk, and bleeding gums. Her daily dietary intake consisted
almost exclusively of chocolate milk at every meal. Due to frequent missed appointments with her family doctor and her parents’ limited
parenting skills, the condition remained undiagnosed for nearly two years. Serum vitamin C levels were undetectable, while vitamin D and
iron levels were low. Knee X-rays revealed Trümmerfeld zones, Frankel lines, and an enlarged metaphyseal margin. The diagnosis of scurvy
was established, and a multidisciplinary approach was implemented, including iron, vitamin C, and vitamin D supplementation, alongside
behavioral intervention. The patient achieved full recovery.
Although scurvy is generally a rare disease, its prevalence has been increasing due to unbalanced and monotonous diets. It can cause a
wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, and its diagnosis is based on anamnesis, physical examination, and complementary tests. Treatment
involves vitamin C supplementation, with an overall excellent prognosis.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
ascorbic acid behavioral disorder neurodevelopmental delay restrictive diet scurvy vitamin C deficiency
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Nascer e Crescer - Birth and Growth Medical Journal 2025;34(1):29-33. doi:10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v34.i1.30027
Editora
Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António