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Scurvy

Disease Details

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Description: Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to symptoms such as anemia, gum disease, and skin problems.
Type: Scurvy is not a genetic disease; it is a nutritional deficiency caused by a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet.
Signs And Symptoms: Early symptoms are malaise and lethargy. After one to three months, patients develop shortness of breath and bone pain. Myalgias may occur because of reduced carnitine production. Other symptoms include skin changes with roughness, easy bruising and petechiae, gum disease, loosening of teeth, poor wound healing, and emotional changes (which may appear before any physical changes). Dry mouth and dry eyes similar to Sjögren's syndrome may occur. In the late stages, jaundice, generalised edema, oliguria, neuropathy, fever, convulsions, and eventual death are frequently seen.
Prognosis: The prognosis for scurvy, caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, is generally very good if identified and treated early. Symptoms—including fatigue, gum disease, and easy bruising—can start to improve within days of vitamin C supplementation. Without treatment, scurvy can lead to severe complications and be fatal. Timely intervention with an adequate dietary intake of vitamin C typically results in full recovery without long-term consequences.
Onset: Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The onset of scurvy can occur within one to three months of inadequate vitamin C intake. Early symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, and joint pain. As the deficiency progresses, more severe symptoms such as anemia, bleeding gums, and bruising can develop.
Prevalence: The prevalence of scurvy is considered very rare in developed countries due to the widespread availability of foods rich in vitamin C. However, it can still occur in populations with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, certain restrictive diets, or among individuals with malabsorption issues or specific medical conditions.
Epidemiology: Scurvy is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is relatively rare in developed countries due to the widespread availability of vitamin C-rich foods. However, it may still occur in individuals with poor dietary habits, chronic alcoholism, or conditions that impair nutrient absorption. Scurvy remains a concern in developing regions where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is limited. Children, elderly individuals, and those with restrictive diets are particularly at risk. The incidence is notably higher in populations dependent on food aid or in situations of food scarcity, such as during wars or famines.
Intractability: Scurvy is not considered intractable. It is a preventable and treatable disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Treatment involves administering vitamin C through dietary changes or supplements, which typically resolves the symptoms within days to weeks.
Disease Severity: Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Disease Severity: If untreated, scurvy can lead to severe complications, including anemia, debility, exhaustion, spontaneous bleeding, pain in the limbs, and ulcerations of the gums and loss of teeth. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Early stages can be remedied with appropriate vitamin C supplementation.

Nan: Not applicable or information not available.
Healthcare Professionals: Disease Ontology ID - DOID:13724
Pathophysiology: Pathophysiology of Scurvy:

Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for the synthesis of collagen in humans. Without sufficient vitamin C, the body cannot properly form collagen, which is a crucial component of connective tissues like skin, blood vessels, and bones. This deficiency leads to weakened blood vessels, poor wound healing, and tissue breakdown. Additionally, vitamin C is important for iron absorption and immune function, so its deficiency can contribute to anemia and compromised immunity. The lack of collagen stability results in the classic symptoms of scurvy, including bleeding gums, joint pain, petechiae (small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin), and bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can become severe and potentially life-threatening.
Carrier Status: Scurvy is not a transmissible disease and does not have a carrier status. It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet.
Mechanism: Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Here's a detailed look at the mechanism and molecular mechanisms involved:

**Mechanism**:
1. **Vitamin C Deficiency**: Scurvy occurs when there is a prolonged deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be obtained from dietary sources, such as fruits and vegetables.
2. **Collagen Synthesis Impairment**: Vitamin C is crucial for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a structural protein important for connective tissue health, wound healing, and overall tissue repair.
3. **Connective Tissue Weakness**: Without sufficient vitamin C, collagen synthesis is impaired, leading to weakened connective tissues, which manifests as symptoms commonly associated with scurvy.

**Molecular Mechanisms**:
1. **Collagen Hydroxylation**: Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in procollagen.
2. **Stabilizing Triple Helix**: The hydroxylated proline and lysine residues are essential for the stability of the collagen triple helix structure. Hydroxylation increases hydrogen bonding, which stabilizes the collagen molecule.
3. **Defective Collagen Formation**: Without vitamin C, hydroxylation is incomplete or absent, leading to defective or unstable collagen. This results in impaired formation of strong connective tissues.
4. **Oxidative Stress**: Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant. Deficiency can lead to increased oxidative stress within cells, further contributing to tissue damage and the various symptoms of scurvy.

These molecular disruptions lead to the clinical manifestations of scurvy, including bleeding gums, joint pain, poor wound healing, anemia, and general weakness. Reintroducing vitamin C into the diet can reverse these symptoms as proper collagen synthesis is restored.
Treatment: Scurvy will improve with doses of vitamin C as low as 10 mg per day though doses of around 100 mg per day are typically recommended. Most people make a full recovery within 2 weeks.
Compassionate Use Treatment: Scurvy is primarily treated through vitamin C supplementation, which is both the established and most effective treatment. Given that it is a deficiency disease, there isn't a significant need for compassionate use or off-label experimental treatments. High-dose vitamin C supplements, either oral or intravenous, are standard and lead to rapid improvement of symptoms. In rare cases, if normal vitamin C administration is not sufficient due to other underlying conditions affecting absorption or metabolism, healthcare providers may explore advanced methods to ensure proper vitamin levels are restored.
Lifestyle Recommendations: For scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, here are some lifestyle recommendations:

1. **Diet:**
- Increase intake of vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, kiwi, guava, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach.
- Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet to ensure adequate vitamin C levels.

2. **Supplements:**
- Consider taking a vitamin C supplement if you are unable to get enough through your diet. Consult a healthcare provider for proper dosage.

3. **Cooking Methods:**
- Use cooking methods that preserve vitamin C content, such as steaming or microwaving, rather than boiling.
- Consume fresh, raw fruits and vegetables when possible, as vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and prolonged storage.

4. **Hydration:**
- Maintain adequate hydration, as water is essential for various bodily functions and overall health.

5. **Avoid Smoking:**
- Smoking can deplete vitamin C levels, so it is advisable to avoid it.

6. **Regular Health Checkups:**
- Have regular health checkups to monitor vitamin levels and overall health, especially if you have conditions that might affect nutrient absorption.

Implementing these lifestyle changes can help prevent scurvy and promote overall health.
Medication: Scurvy is treated with vitamin C supplementation. The typical recommendation is to take doses of 300-1000 mg of vitamin C daily until symptoms improve, usually within a few days to weeks. Beyond dietary supplements, increasing the intake of vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens can also help manage and prevent scurvy.
Repurposable Drugs: Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The primary treatment is the administration of vitamin C, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen, an important component of connective tissues. There are no widely recognized repurposable drugs for scurvy, as the condition specifically results from a lack of vitamin C, and the deficiency needs to be directly addressed to cure the disease.
Metabolites: Scurvy is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The key metabolites related to scurvy involve the body's utilization and metabolism of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, neurotransmitters, and L-carnitine, as well as for the metabolism of protein and the functioning of several enzymes. In the absence of adequate vitamin C, abnormal collagen synthesis leads to weakened connective tissues, resulting in the symptoms of scurvy such as bleeding gums, bruising, joint pain, and fatigue.
Nutraceuticals: For scurvy, nutraceuticals include vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements. Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, and a deficiency leads to the symptoms of scurvy. Regular intake of vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and green leafy vegetables can also be effective in prevention and treatment.

Regarding nanotechnology, research is being conducted to develop novel vitamin C delivery systems using nanoparticles to enhance absorption and bioavailability. However, these are not yet standard treatments and are still under investigation.
Peptides: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen peptides. Without sufficient vitamin C, the body cannot properly form collagen, leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums, bruising, joint pain, and impaired wound healing. Vitamin C is not produced by nanotechnology but is typically obtained through diet, with sources including citrus fruits and vegetables.