Haematomas and gingival bleeding

• Published in: The Lancet (British edition) Vol. 379; no. 9834; p. 2400
• Main Authors: Bendick, Christoph, Dr, Mey, Sithach, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 23.06.2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Ascorbic Acid - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Developed countries; Developing Countries; Female; Free radicals; General aspects; Gingival Hemorrhage - etiology; Hematoma - etiology; Humans; Insect bites; Internal Medicine; LDCs; Medical sciences; Scurvy - complications; Scurvy - diagnosis; Scurvy - drug therapy; Skin Diseases, Vascular - etiology; Vitamin C; Young Adult; Medicine; Gingiva; Hemorrhage; Hematoma
• ISSN: 0140-6736; 1474-547X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60366-3

A daily intake of between 15 mg (young children) and 120 mg (lactating women) is recommended.2 The body store of vitamin C is roughly 1500 mg3 and its roles include: supporting collagen formation; involvement in the metabolism of carnitine, tyrosine, and neurotrans mitters; and acting as a redox agent by removing free radicals and protecting blood vessel walls. In more developed countries, scurvy is seldom seen, although it can occur in individuals whose diets lack fresh fruit and vegetables.4 In developing countries, lack of health education, insufficient financial means, and distinctive cultural norms5 can lead to substantial vitamin C deficiency. Since dermatological symptoms precede more serious manifestations-including internal haemorrhage, generalised oedema, oliguria, neuropathy, and convulsions-close inspection of the skin and mucous membranes can aid in the early detection of this easily treatable and preventable condition.