Paediatric scurvy: frequently misdiagnosed

Abstract

Paediatric scurvy is uncommon in the modern age but cases have been reported in children with neurodevelopmental issues and restricted dietary habits. The broad clinical picture is frequently overlooked as primarily other systemic diseases are considered first leading to extensive investigations and delay in diagnosis. A 4-year-old boy with autism and bilateral lower limb pain and refusal to walk is reported. His restricted diet and radiographic findings were highly suggestive of scurvy which was confirmed by the extremely low levels of ascorbic acid. Treatment with ascorbic acid replenishment and maintenance resulted in remarkable improvement. This case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion in at-risk children so as to avoid unnecessary invasive investigations and procedures.

Keywords: Scurvy; ascorbic acid; autistic spectrum disorder; vitamin C deficiency.