Scurvy: historical review and current diagnostic approach - 28/08/11
Abstract |
Scurvy, a deficiency of vitamin C, now most often occurs in disadvantaged groups seen frequently in EDs: alcoholics with poor nutrition, the isolated elderly, and the institutionalized. Its prominent clinical features are lethargy; purpuric lesions, especially affecting the legs; myalgia; and, in advancing disease, bleeding from the gums with little provocation. Common misdiagnoses are vasculitis, blood dyscrasias, and ulcerative gingivitis. Untreated, scurvy is inevitably fatal as a result of infection or sudden death. Fortunately, individuals with scurvy, even those with advanced disease, respond favorably to administration of vitamin C.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Scurvy, vitamin deficiency, ED evaluation
Plan
Vol 21 - N° 4
P. 328-332 - juillet 2003 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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