[Scurvy. A study of 13 cases].

Scurvy or vitamin C deficiency disease it is seen nowadays with a very low frequency. Thirteen cases in which scurvy was diagnosed at Hospital del Niño "Rodolfo Nieto Padrón" at Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, in a 5 years period (from March 1985 through May 1990) were reviewed. The cases occurred in infants between 5 and 18 months. All of them had a third grade malnutrition and also had a concomitant infectious disease. Pain localized on extremities was the most important symptom. Anemia was seen in all cases. Roentgenologic studies showed the presence of Fraenkel line, scurvy lattice and subperiostitic calcifications in all cases; these changes are characteristic of scurvy. The chief complaint, physical findings, radiologic signs and the response to treatment with ascorbic acid will give the clue to make diagnosis. The present report shows the incidence of scurvy in the southeast of the Mexican Republic. We are aware about this disease as a great health problem even nowadays which needs the responsibility of all those who care for infants to assist educational aspects mainly in urban areas.