title: Identification and treatment of scurvy: a case report.
abstract: Scurvy is a nondiscriminatory disease process resulting from a nutritional deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The severe vitamin deficiency produces a breakdown in the cellular structure of the body. This case report describes a middle-age woman with a history of edema, bruising of the lower extremities, anemia, and severe periodontal disease. Her presentation and medical history are classic for the signs of scurvy. Scurvy is now only uncommonly seen in developed countries, but there are still vulnerable populations whose nutritional status can lead to scurvy. The aim of this report is to help the clinician identify and treat scurvy, a disease that was once feared for its high mortality but is now easily treatable, even in cases that have progressed to multiple organ dysfunction and failure.
authors.affiliation: Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi, MS, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Halligan
authors.forename: Nathan G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Caldroney
authors.forename: Timothy B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Skelton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005893:Gingivoplasty; D006209:Halitosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011693:Purpura / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012614:Scurvy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D001205:Ascorbic Acid