Researchers found that pediatric scurvy cases tripled from 2016 to 2020, highlighting a significant rise in incidence, particularly among low-income, male, and autistic children.
By Hugo Francisco de SouzaReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jul 19 2024 In a recent review published in the journal JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews, researchers compile available information on the symptoms, diagnosis, radiological evidence, and treatment of Scurvy , a disease caused by the severe deficiency of vitamin C . They further conducted a retrospective investigation of pediatric patients from the United States National Inpatient Sample Database between 2016 and 2020.
Background Scurvy is a nutritional disorder caused by the severe and prolonged deficiency of ascorbic acid , characterized by mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal symptoms such as petechiae, bone pain in lower appendages, and gingival bleeding.
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment Typical disease symptoms, especially in younger populations, include pseudoparalysis, swollen and externally rotated knee or ankle joints , and flexion contractures . In cases where Scurvy has sufficiently advanced, scorbutic rosary and skeletal growth abnormalities may additionally manifest. Given the essential role of vitamin C in collagen manufacture and iron absorption, more than 80% of patients may also present concomitant iron-deficiency anemia.
Encouragingly, despite its severe physiological impacts and complicated diagnosis, Scurvy is exceedingly easy to treat, only requiring changes in diet to include fresh fruits and vegetables in its early stages and vitamin C supplementation in advanced cases. However, the physiological outcomes of delayed disease diagnoses may include fractures, physeal separation, and other severe musculoskeletal manifestations that require hospitalization.
Study findings Nineteen million four hundred thirteen thousand four hundred sixty-five patients met the study inclusion criteria for the period under investigation and were included in statistical analysis. Of these, 265 individuals were diagnosed with Scurvy. Time series analyses revealed that during the course of the five years under study, the incidence of Scurvy increased from 8.2 per 100,000 to 26.7 per 100,000 children .
Anemia Arthritis Ascorbic Acid Autism Bleeding Bone Children Diagnostic Imaging Musculoskeletal Orthopedic Pain Rare Disease Research Vitamin C
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leeds United 'set to move' for Sheffield United star who scored against Manchester United last seasonDefensive reinforcements are a priority Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Read more »
States with highest COVID-19 vaccination rates showed steepest decline in pediatric asthma prevalence: StudyStates with high rates of COVID-19 vaccination saw more pediatric asthma patients get a break from their symptoms, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open by leaders from Nemours Children's Health and Endeavor Health.
Read more »
United States vs Uruguay: CONMEBOL Copa AmericaFollow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from United States vs Uruguay in the CONMEBOL Copa America
Read more »
What to Know as High Bacteria Levels Cause Beach Closures Across the United StatesHigh bacteria levels might throw a wrench in your holiday plans. Here are the risks and how to stay safe.
Read more »
Arne Slot could be without NINE Liverpool stars for United States tourLiverpool will likely be without as many as nine first-team players for their pre-season tour of the United States
Read more »
Keegan Bradley to captain United States at 2025 Ryder CupThe 38-year-old has twice lost out to Europe as a player.
Read more »