Vitamin C deficiency Flashcards
What does vitamin C deficiency lead to?
Leads to SCURVY
What is the function of vitamin C?
Vitamin C is important for wound healing, immune function + iron absorption
Give 4 risk factors for vitamin C deficiency
Famine
Alcoholics
Inadequate diet
Pregnancy
List 7 symptoms of vitamin C deficiency
Fatigue Depression Gingivitis, loose teeth, foul breath Impaired wound healing In children, bone growth may be impaired so gait impairment or leg pain Muscle pain + weakness Weight loss
List 7 signs of vitamin C deficiency
Rash Petechiae (Internal bleeding) Bleeding from gums, nose, hair follciles or into joints Oedema Cachexia Follicular hyperkeratosis Anorexia
What investigations can be performed in vitamin C deficiency?
FBC + peripheral smear to identify haem disorders mimicking scurvy (normocytic anaemia expected)
Serum, whole blood + leukocyte ascorbic acid
X-ray of knee + wrist
How is vitamin C deficiency diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis
Describe management of vitamin C deficiency
Dietary education
Ascorbic acid: 300-500mg/day orally for 2 weeks
List complications of vitamin C deficiency
Intracerebral haemmorhage
Endocardial haemorrhage
Neck + back pain
What is the prognosis of vitamin C deficiency?
GOOD (full recovery) if no haemorrhagic complications occur
List sources of vitamin C
broccoli, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, blackcurrant, kiwis, brussel sprouts, strawberries, oranges (other citrus fruits)
What signs may be seen on joint XR in vitamin C deficiency?
Frankel’s sign (lucent line) below the margin of the growth plate
Wimberger corner fraction sign
Trabecular atrophy
Pelkan’s sign
Why measure serum, whole blood + leukocyte ascorbic acid?
identify amount + severity of scurvy
