Gait Disturbance and Polyarthralgia as a Manifestation of Scurvy in a Pediatric Patient. Case Report

Keywords: Scurvy, vitamin C, polyarthralgia

Abstract

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is essential for the correct functioning of the organism. As it cannot be synthesized by humans, it is obtained from external food sources. Deficiency of ascorbic acid produces scurvy, which includes symptoms as fatigue, myalgia and polyarthralgia, associated with skin hemorrhage and bleeding gums. Scurvy is a rare entity. Most of the reported cases involve children with food restrictions due to neurodevelopmental disorders. The early detection of the clinical signs of this condition would avoid unnecessary complementary tests, and early treatment would help reverse symptoms and prevent complications. Case Report: a 13-year-old male patient presented with pain in both hips radiating to the knees associated with loss of strength and hematomas in the lower limbs. Objective: to highlight the importance of a complete nutritional assessment to avoid a late approach with multiple interventions.

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Author Biographies

María Florencia Girard, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Británico, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Británico, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
María Nella Santana, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Británico, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Británico, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Bruno Gabriel Casaccio, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Británico, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Británico, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

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Published
2023-06-17
How to Cite
Girard, M. F., Santana, M. N., & Casaccio, B. G. (2023). Gait Disturbance and Polyarthralgia as a Manifestation of Scurvy in a Pediatric Patient. Case Report. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 88(3), 346-350. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2023.88.3.1692
Section
Case Presentations