Scurvy in intensive care despite vitamin supplementation
Perret, J-L.; Lagauche, D.; Favier, J-C.; Rey, P.; Bigois, L.; Adam, F.
Presse Medicale 33(3): 170-171
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 15029029 Document Number: 569802
Introduction: Scurvy can occur in hospitalized patients despite vitamin supplementation. Observation: A 63 year-old patient who had spent several weeks in intensive care developed an unexplained anaemia and ecchymoses. Despite daily administration of 130 mg/day of vitamin C since his admission, his ascorbic acid blood levels had collapsed. Administration of 1 g/day relieved the symptoms within four weeks. Discussion: Whether a deficiency had existed prior to admission or not, scurvy developed during the week of intensive care despite parenteral nutrition supplying a daily dose of 130 mg of vitamin C. Such deficiencies decompensated in surgical situations remain a reality in developed countries. Conclusion: In certain pathological contexts and in all the growing number of cases in elderly patients and many surgical indications, the need for vitamin C supplementation has to be defined. The needs at that particular time must be taken into account, as well as the prior nutritional status.