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Reversible right-sided heart failure and pulmonary hypertension caused by scurvy in a 7-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder and a review of the literature.

Authors :
Abe K
Kibe R
David K
Reddy V
Allard B
Fakaosita M
Source :
Paediatrics and international child health [Paediatr Int Child Health] 2023 Nov; Vol. 43 (4), pp. 95-99. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 May 25.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Scurvy, a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency, is rare, especially in high-income countries. Symptoms of scurvy are typically characterised by dermatological disorders such as poor wound healing and tooth loss, but there is not usually cardiac involvement. A case of reversible pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure owing to scurvy in a 7-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder is reported. He had a very restricted diet and presented with polyarthralgia, gingival hyperplasia with ecchymosis, and fatigue. His condition, including pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure, completely resolved with vitamin C supplementation. Paediatricians should have a high index of suspicion for scurvy in children with nutritional selectivity and be aware that it can manifest with cardiac symptoms. Scurvy may be life-threatening if not treated, but the symptoms can improve rapidly with vitamin C supplementation.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2046-9055
Volume :
43
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Paediatrics and international child health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34033530
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/20469047.2021.1901406