Scurvy: old disease, new lessons.
Paediatr Int Child Health
; 43(4): 83-94, 2023 11.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37795755
ABSTRACT
Scurvy, the condition associated with severe vitamin C deficiency, is believed to be one of the oldest diseases in human history. It was particularly prevalent during the Age of Sail, when long sea voyages without access to fresh food resulted in an epidemic which claimed millions of lives; however, scurvy has existed across time and geography, occurring whenever and wherever diets are devoid of vitamin C. Young children, specifically, were affected by the emergence of 'infantile scurvy' in the 19th century owing to the use of heated milk and manufactured infant foods of poor nutritional quality. Scurvy continues to occur in at-risk groups. In children and youths, it is primarily observed in the context of autism spectrum disorder and feeding problems such as a limited food repertoire and high-frequency single food intake. Diagnosis may be delayed and invasive testing undertaken owing to clinicians' lack of familiarity with the disease, or the mistaken assumption that it is exclusively a disease of the past. The aetiology, clinical manifestations and treatment of scurvy are described. Its long history and current epidemiology are also reviewed, demonstrating that scurvy is very much a disease of the present. It is suggested that future efforts should focus on (i) anticipatory guidance and early nutritional intervention, informed by an understanding of scurvy's epidemiology, with the aim of preventing the disease in those at risk, and (ii) prompt recognition and treatment to minimise morbidity and healthcare costs.Abbreviations ASD autism spectrum disorder.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Scurvy
/
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Type of study:
Guideline
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Animals
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Humans
/
Infant
Language:
En
Journal:
Paediatr Int Child Health
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canadá