ascorbic-acid and Autism-Spectrum-Disorder

Scurvy, the disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency, is perceived as being rare and occurring predominantly in the past. However, scurvy continues to exist and may be encountered in children with medical/developmental conditions and/or restricted diet. Diagnosis can be challenging given the perceived rarity of the condition and nonspecific symptoms, including gingival disease.. We present a series of two cases of scurvy in which the affected children presented to medical attention with dental complaints. Additional cases of scurvy are described, based on the literature review of case reports/series published in the last 10 years.. Literature review yielded 77 relevant case reports published in the English language since 2009. Most affected children had a previous diagnosis of a medical or developmental condition (especially autism spectrum disorder). Intraoral features (gingival swelling, pain, and bleeding) were noted in most of the identified cases of scurvy. Improvement in the oral features of scurvy occurred within days of vitamin C therapy initiation.. Recognizing classic signs and symptoms of scurvy enables prompt diagnosis and avoids invasive investigations. Dentists may be in a unique position to facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis of a condition that is relatively easy and safe to treat once identified.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Developmental Disabilities; Gingival Diseases; Humans; Scurvy

Numerous cases of scurvy secondary to diet limitations have been reported in the literature with most being boys with special needs. To date, the focus of the literature describing vitamin C deficiency has been the medical sequelae of the deficiency. There has been little attention given underlying diet limitations causing the vitamin C deficiency.. A five-year-old female with typical development initially presented with rash, then later for pain in both lower extremities. After evaluation revealed vitamin C deficiency, she was admitted into an intensive day treatment feeding program. A feeding assessment found she had life-long problems with eating and had a diet that never exceeded ten foods. Across the course of treatment, she learned to eat 29 new foods. At six-month follow-up her body mass index had increased from the 1st to the 61st percentile. At one-year follow-up her body mass index was at the 85th percentile. All sequalae of her deficiency resolved.. This case is unusual as most reported studies describe males with special needs. The severity of her eating issues suggest providers may consider referral to allied health professionals to address diet limitations for both children identified with nutrient deficiencies as well as children whose selective eating places them at risk for nutritional deficiencies or problems with growth. The child we described was anemic, like 42% of children described in the case literature on scurvy and like 32% of the children in this literature, our patient was underweight. In the literature, comorbid nutrient deficiencies were reported in 22% of the scurvy case studies. We suggest vitamin C supplementation is a necessary component for addressing vitamin C deficiency, but insufficient for addressing the diet limitations causing the nutrient deficiency.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Body Mass Index; Child; Child, Preschool; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Scurvy; Vitamins

Symptomatic vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, is a relatively rare disease in developed countries, but it has been reported in patients with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay who tend to have selective diets. Patients with scurvy often demonstrate musculoskeletal manifestations with unknown pathophysiology. Herein, we report a case of scurvy in an 11-year-old boy who presented with iron-deficiency anaemia, systemic osteomyelitis, myositis predominantly in the lower extremities, and right ventricular volume overload with mild pulmonary hypertension and was diagnosed with scurvy. He had a mild developmental disorder and a selective diet, which resulted in severe vitamin C deficiency. He received intravenous and oral vitamin C supplementation, which relieved his arthralgia and muscle pain in a week. Following 4 months of vitamin C supplementation, he demonstrated no abnormal manifestations on laboratory or imaging examination and recovered without sequelae. Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine evaluations demonstrated elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, and IL-23, which are associated with T-helper (Th) 17 cell activation. This study is the first to suggest the association between the inflammation seen in scurvy, rheumatic manifestations in the patient, and Th17 cell activation. Further analysis of the association between the inflammation and vitamin C supplementation may contribute to new insights for the comprehension and treatment of other inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-23; Interleukin-6; Male; Scurvy

BACKGROUND Despite being considered a disease of the past, pediatric scurvy is increasingly reported in developed countries, especially among children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, or a restrictive diet. Pediatric patients typically present with lower extremity pain or refusal to walk. This case study features an atypical presentation of scurvy in a non-ambulatory patient. CASE REPORT A 14-year-old boy with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita displayed a late-stage scurvy symptom: a necrotic gastrostomy tube site, indicative of poor wound healing due to vitamin C deficiency. The usual telltale symptoms of scurvy were camouflaged due to his non-ambulatory status, which may have contributed to a delayed presentation. Nevertheless, a comprehensive clinical evaluation, incorporating diet history, gingival symptoms, petechiae, and characteristic radiological signs, eventually led to the correct diagnosis. Although acute osteomyelitis was initially suspected, it was subsequently ruled out. Upon initiation of vitamin C therapy, the patient's symptoms subsided within a few days, and the necrotic tissue surrounding the gastrostomy tube healed completely within two weeks. CONCLUSIONS The highlighted case underscores the importance of including scurvy in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients with lower extremity pain without fever. A detailed dietary history focusing on vitamin C intake is crucial during clinical evaluation. Early initiation of vitamin C therapy, when scurvy is suspected, may prevent unnecessary and extensive diagnostic workup for other potential causes, offering timely relief to the patient.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Gastrostomy; Humans; Male; Pain; Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by chronic vitamin C deficiency. The greater prevalence was found in the paediatric population with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders due to their restricted dietary intake. Our case reported a child with autism who presented with arthralgia and anaemia. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the first diagnostic impression, resulting in over investigation and delayed diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency. After the child was treated with ascorbic acid, the child's symptoms resolved. This case highlighted the importance of developmental and nutritional history taking in the paediatric population. Furthermore, parents and physicians should be concerned about nutritional status, especially in children with restrictive dietary intake.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Scurvy

BACKGROUND Scurvy secondary to deficiency of vitamin C is a rare condition in children. The polymorphism of clinical signs and symptoms makes scurvy diagnosis a challenge for the pediatrician. CASE REPORT A 3-year-old girl came to our observation because she refused to walk and to stand, she showed petechiae, follicular hyperkeratosis on the limbs, and bleeding gums. After a physical exam, laboratory tests, and X-ray examinations, we suspected scurvy disease and started treatment with vitamin C. During the hospitalization, some relationship difficulties of the little girl emerged such as absence of eye contact, smiling and laughter without reason, solitary play activities, poor interaction with strangers, non-communicative language, and gestural stereotypes. Therefore, we suspected an autism spectrum disorder, which is often associated with vitamins intake deficiency secondary to food selectivity. After the administration of vitamins, there was a clinical improvement. Due to the suspicion of autism spectrum disorder, the neuropsychiatric team started neuro-psychomotor and speech therapy. CONCLUSIONS This case shows that although the incidence of scurvy has been greatly reduced in Western Europe, this pathology can still manifest itself, especially in vulnerable children, and its prompt diagnosis and therapy are important considering the excellent response to treatment.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Scurvy; Vitamins; Walking

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be associated with self-imposed dietary restrictions causing nutritional deficiencies, and the anesthesiologist must be aware of their potential clinical implications. Because humans are unable to produce ascorbic acid through endogenous metabolic pathways and children with ASD may avoid vitamin C-containing foods, vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, may develop in patients scheduled for general anesthesia. Vitamin C deficiency may cause dysfunction in autonomic nervous system processes or pulmonary hypertension resulting in unexpected hemodynamic lability. We describe a child with ASD and limited dietary options leading to undiagnosed scurvy and intraoperative hypotension.

Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Adolescent; Anesthesia, General; Ascorbic Acid; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Colonoscopy; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Male; Scurvy; Treatment Outcome

Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogenous neurodevelopmental condition accompanied by a variety of associated features. Case reports suggest one such associated feature, food selectivity, increases risk for nutritional deficiencies; however, little attention has been given to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies in youth with autism spectrum disorder.. Single case report.. This single case report presents a child with autism spectrum disorder and food selectivity difficulties that resulted in severe vitamin C deficiency. Although eventually corrected, the nutritional deficiency was debilitating, required invasive interventions, and resulted in significant social/emotional and economic costs.. We review the course of treatment and highlight strategies to prevent and more effectively treat nutritional deficiencies in youth with autism spectrum disorder.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Diet Therapy; Early Diagnosis; Food Preferences; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Patient Care Management; Risk Assessment; Vitamins

Scurvy results from a dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and is rarely thought of in modern day medicine. It now almost always occurs in pediatric patients with behavioral diagnoses, nutritionally restricted diets, and food allergies. Symptoms of scurvy include ecchymoses, bleeding gums, and arthralgias. Here, we present a 17-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder and a diet severely deficient in ascorbic acid due to textural aversion and food preferences. He presented with recurrent arthritis, hemarthrosis, bruising, and anemia. His vitamin C level was low, and his symptoms improved promptly after treatment with ascorbic acid.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Scurvy