Scurvy and vitamin C deficiency in an Australian tertiary children's hospital.
J Paediatr Child Health
; 2024 Jun 21.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39031615
ABSTRACT
AIM:
We aimed to investigate the frequency of vitamin C deficiency scurvy in the Australian paediatric context, describe cohorts at risk, and identify factors associated with development of symptoms in children with vitamin C deficiency. We also aimed to propose a management guideline for children with features of scurvy.METHOD:
A retrospective study was done at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Australia over a three-year period, from August 2019 to July 2022. Children from birth to 18 years old, whose vitamin C levels were low (<23 µmol/L), were included. Data extracted from hospital medical records included demographics, weight, co-morbidities, eating disorder diagnoses, clinical features, investigations and treatment. Descriptive statistics and risk statistics were performed.RESULTS:
In a cohort of 887 patients who had their vitamin C levels checked, we identified 272 (31%) who had a vitamin C level <23 µmol/L. Of these, 13 (5%) were symptomatic of vitamin C deficiency and 19 (7%) may have been symptomatic. In patients with vitamin C deficiency, 248 (91%) had comorbidities, neurodevelopmental disorders being most common, and 176 (65%) had restricted eating. When the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups were compared, in the symptomatic group, there was a significantly lower vitamin C level and disordered eating related to autism spectrum disorders was more common.CONCLUSION:
In order to avoid delayed diagnoses and unnecessary investigations, clinicians should be familiar with symptoms of scurvy and perform a dietary assessment, vitamin C assay, and commence empiric vitamin C supplementation where appropriate.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
J Paediatr Child Health
Journal subject:
PEDIATRIA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia
Country of publication:
Australia