Scurvy is Back

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEScurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as 'The Pirates' Disease'. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern medicine, we present 2 cases of elderly gentlemen found to have scurvy, who improved significant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNutrition and metabolic insights Vol. 11; p. 1178638818809097
Main Authors Callus, Claire Ann, Vella, Samantha, Ferry, Peter
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.01.2018
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Summary:BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEScurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as 'The Pirates' Disease'. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern medicine, we present 2 cases of elderly gentlemen found to have scurvy, who improved significantly on treatment.METHODSThis study presents a case report of 2 patients undergoing rehabilitation at Karin Grech Hospital in Malta, noted to have signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C levels were found to be low and thus supplementation was administered.RESULTSAfter a few weeks, a significant improvement was noted in level of frailty, mood, bleeding tendency, and gum health.CONCLUSIONSThe modern doctor must keep this ancient disease in mind, as it presents insidiously with debilitating repercussions, particularly in older people who are at a higher risk. It is easily treatable once detected.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Case Study-2
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ObjectType-Report-1
ISSN:1178-6388
1178-6388
DOI:10.1177/1178638818809097