Pellagra

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Deficiency in B3 (niacin)

Due to inadequate intake leading to impaired NAD and NADP synthesis which leads to symptoms due to disrupted energey metabolism in skin, GI tract and nervous tissues

Question 2

What are the clinical features?

Answer 2

Dermatitis- brown scaly rash on sun exposed sites
- Casal collar/necklace if around neck
Diarrhoea
Dementia/Depression

Death if not treated

Question 3

What is the management?

Answer 3

Niacin supplementation- oral or IV
Balanced diet
- increased oral intake such as poultry, fish, meat, peanuts

Manage underlying causes e.g. chronic alcoholism/malabsoprtive disease