Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) is relatively uncommon in a pediatric population. The diagnosis can be missed if it is not considered as a possibility.
Patient selection: pediatric patient presenting with bone/joint pain, rash and/or gingival changes
Risk factors for vitamin C deficiency in a child:
(1) oral aversion
(2) cerebral palsy
(3) developmental delay
(4) autistic spectrum disorder
(5) severely restricted diet
If a child has scurvy then the child should be evaluated for deficiency in other nutrients.
If a child is diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency then scurvy should be looked for.
