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Lost at Sea in Search of a Diagnosis: A Case of Unexplained Bleeding
Author(s) -
Amos Lauren E.,
Carpenter Shan L.,
Hoeltzel Mark F.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.25980
Subject(s) - scurvy , ascorbic acid , medicine , vitamin c , ascorbic acid deficiency , pediatrics , autism , anemia , vitamin , arthritis , dermatology , surgery , food science , psychiatry , chemistry
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.