Abstract
Scurvy is a vitamin deficiency historically associated with pirates and sailors that affects collagen synthesis, leading to hemorrhage, skin, and oral lesions. In the 18th century, the lack of consumption of foods rich in vitamin C was found to cause such a severe condition, whose early diagnosis increases the likelihood of a better prognosis. A 58-year-old female patient complained of fatigue, body pain, and gingival bleeding for nearly 24 months. In 2001, she was diagnosed with lupus, now in remission, and osteoporosis more recently. On clinical examination, gingivitis with spontaneous bleeding was observed, despite the patient’s good hygiene, as well as some petechiae over the body. Due to the hypothesis of a possible autoimmune dermatological disease, the patient was referred to a dermatologist, who requested a series of tests, including vitamin C dosage. The results showed a concentration below 0.25mg / dL (IR, 4 to 2.0 mg / dL), and thus the diagnosis of scurvy was established. The patient was administered vitamin C replacement and in about 3 months, the symptoms started to improve. In some cases, such as this, hospitalization is required for intravenous replacement due to bleeding risks. This case report highlights the importance of the dentist in the early diagnosis and treatment of scurvy. This condition causes oral lesions that are often confused with other more common conditions, such as gingivitis or autoimmune dermatological response. Therefore, we recommend a comprehensive physical examination and anamnesis, including dietary history.
Highlights
Scurvy was first-time described in 1500 b.C. as a disease typical of pirates and sailors, which affected mostly gums and skin
A lack of vitamin C intake leads to inhibition of various types of collagen production found in skin, blood vessels, and gum (Gutierrez and Martinez-Mier, 2019; Semba, 2008)
After 8 to 12 weeks, the vitamin C deficiency presents some symptoms that vary from poor wound healing, gingival swelling with possible loss of teeth, mucocutaneous petechiae, ecchymosis, and hyperkeratosis organ hemorrhage and rheumatologic findings (Maxfield and Crane, 2020)
Summary
Resumen El escorbuto es una deficiencia de vitaminas históricamente asociada con piratas y marineros, la cual afecta la síntesis de colágeno, provocando hemorragias, lesiones cutáneas y orales. Se observó gingivitis con sangrado espontáneo, a pesar de la buena higiene de la paciente, así como algunas petequias en su cuerpo. Ante la hipótesis de una posible enfermedad dermatológica autoinmune, la paciente fue referida a un dermatólogo para una serie de pruebas, incluida la dosificación de vitamina C. Los resultados mostraron una concentración por debajo de 0,25 mg / dL (RI, 4 a 2,0 mg / dL), por lo que se estableció el diagnóstico de escorbuto. La paciente fue tratada con reemplazo de vitamina C y, en aproximadamente 3 meses, los síntomas comenzaron a mejorar. Como este, se requiere hospitalización para el reemplazo intravenoso debido a los riesgos de hemorragia. Esta afección provoca lesiones orales que frecuentemente se confunden con otras afecciones más comunes, como la gingivitis o la respuesta dermatológica autoinmune.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
