Abstract
Scurvy, a deficiency of vitamin C, now most often occurs in disadvantaged groups seen
frequently in EDs: alcoholics with poor nutrition, the isolated elderly, and the institutionalized.
Its prominent clinical features are lethargy; purpuric lesions, especially affecting
the legs; myalgia; and, in advancing disease, bleeding from the gums with little provocation.
Common misdiagnoses are vasculitis, blood dyscrasias, and ulcerative gingivitis. Untreated,
scurvy is inevitably fatal as a result of infection or sudden death. Fortunately,
individuals with scurvy, even those with advanced disease, respond favorably to administration
of vitamin C.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
September 11,
2002
Received:
September 11,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
