Scurvy in United States in 2022 – A Rare Nutritional Deficiency which may have been forgotten in the Developed Countries

Abstract

Purpose: Scurvy is a disease that has ancient relevance but is a rare occurrence in the present times, due to the advancements in studies and convenient access to professional nutritionists and other services that provide guidance and plans to fulfil all nutritional requirements. In this case report, the authors present the case of a 68 year old male who was diagnosed with scurvy. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease has seen to be greatly delayed due to the infrequency of the cases reported, causing serious consequences for the patient. Scurvy presents with a variety of symptoms affecting the skin and soft tissues such as perifollicular hemorrhages, petechiae, bruising, and arthalgrias.

Methodology: The patient was prescribed 250 mg vitamin C supplements (also called Ascorbic acid) 3 times a day and was monitored after 2 weeks to note signs of improvements. Physical examination included observing petechial haemorrhages and bruises. Blood test should be recommended to assess vitamin C levels in blood after the prescribed duration of time.

Findings: The signs and symptoms were resolved after regular intake of ascorbic acid supplements for 2 weeks.

Recommendation: The findings signifies the need for consideration of scurvy as a possible diagnosis for petechial rash and easy bruising along with other differentials even during the modern era.