Scurvy in children with autism spectrum disorders: Clinical cases
https://doi.org/10.66825/2949-4664-apps-3-3-52-59
Abstract
Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, is currently an extremely rare condition. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in fresh fruits and vegetables. It is destroyed rapidly during cooking and is not synthesized in the human body. Clinical manifestations of vitamin C deficiency develop within three months of its insufficient intake. In this article, we report two cases of scurvy associated with eating disorders and a refusal to consume fresh fruits and vegetables in children with autism spectrum disorders. The children were admitted to a neurology department complaining of leg pain, including a refusal to walk, hemorrhagic rashes, and gingivitis. Due to the rarity of this condition, the first patient underwent a lengthy diagnostic investigation with numerous tests. After diagnosis, rapid regression of clinical manifestations following vitamin C therapy was observed.
Keywords
scurvy,
vitamin C deficiency,
children,
autism,
leg pain,
refusal to walk,
gingivitis,
hemorrhagic rash
Supporting agencies: No external funding was attracted.
About the Authors
G. M. Khasanova
Perm Regional Children’s Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Galina M. Khasanova, Neurologist
22, Bauman str., Perm, 614066
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
A. S. Vyatkina
Perm Regional Children’s Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Alina S. Vyatkina, Head of the Psychoneurology Department
22, Bauman str., Perm, 614066
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
V. V. Shadrina
Research Clinical Institute of Childhood; Research Centre for Medical Genetics
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Vera V. Shadrina, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Department of Hereditary and Metabolic
Diseases; Leading Researcher, Cystic Fibrosis Research Clinical Department
24A, bldg. 1, Kominterna str., Mytishchi, 141009; 1, Moskvorechye str., Moscow, 115522
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
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Review
For citations:
Khasanova G.M., Vyatkina A.S., Shadrina V.V. Scurvy in children with autism spectrum disorders: Clinical cases. Archives of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. 2025;3(3):52-59. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.66825/2949-4664-apps-3-3-52-59
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