Adult scurvy with bleeding tendency
Keywords:
Bleeding tendency, Adult scurvy, Vitamin C deficiencyAbstract
Scurvy or vitamin C deficiency is an uncommon cause of bleeding tendency among adults. We reported a 65-year-old Thai male patient with history of floor of mouth carcinoma presenting large ecchymosis after minor trauma and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Physical examination showed bleeding in the oral mucosa, perifollicular hemorrhage and hematoma at both legs. The investigations revealed anemia with normal platelet, coagulation tests, fibrinogen level and von Willebrand function whereas serum vitamin C level was low (0.21 mg/L, normal range 2.00-14.00 mg/L). A diagnosis of scurvy was established and the patient was started on vitamin C supplement. His hemoglobin was stable after vitamin C supplement and other symptoms improved. Although scurvy is rare, physician should consider about this condition among malnourished patients presenting bleeding tendency suspected from primary hemostatic defect.
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References
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