[Scurvy in children with selectivity in foods: experience in a pediatric hospital].

INTRODUCTION

Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, historically rare but reemerging in children with restrictive diets. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms and low clinical suspicion. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and nutritional characteristics of patients with scurvy treated at a high-complexity pediatric hospital, in order to raise awareness about its reappearance as a severe manifestation of food selectivity and its strong association with neurodevelopmental disorders.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at a high-complexity pediatric hospital between June 2018 and April 2024. Patients with a diagnosis of scurvy confirmed by clinical response to treatment were included. Demographic, anthropometric, dietary, biochemical, and radiological data were collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were evaluated (median age: 4.4 years; 86% male), all with food selectivity; 80% had autism spectrum disorder. Nutritional status varied. Eighty percent required hospitalization. The most frequent symptoms were lower limb pain, difficulty walking, petechiae, and gingivitis. Fifty percent had positive acute-phase reactants, and 80% had compatible radiological findings. The average symptom duration before diagnosis was 38 days. Treatment with 1 g/day of oral vitamin C led to symptom resolution within 48-96 hours.

CONCLUSION

Scurvy should be considered in children with restrictive diets, even in those with normal or excessive weight. Early clinical suspicion allows unnecessary studies to be avoided and enables rapid recovery through appropriate treatment.