Untreated scurvy follows a progressive course that can be divided into 4 stages. End-stage scurvy responds to vitamin C replacement.
|
Stage
|
Musculoskeletal
|
Oral
|
Other
|
|
I
|
aches in joints and muscle
|
|
lethargy, easy fatigability
|
|
II
|
pain in muscle and joints
|
swollen gums that bleed easily, loose teeth
|
|
|
III
|
excruciating pain in muscles, joints and bones
|
putrid gums with spontaneous bleeding
|
petechiae, ecchymoses and purpura; non-healing skin ulcers on legs; anemia
|
|
IV
|
|
|
high fevers, diffuse hemorrhages, syncope, uncontrollable trembling, sudden death
|
