Etiology
This essential nutrient deficiency is the primary cause of scurvy.
What is vitamin C deficiency?
In scurvy, vitamin C deficiency impairs the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, disrupting the formation of this key structural protein.
What is collagen?
Scurvy often presents with these small, red to purple skin spots caused by capillary bleeding.
What are petechiae?
Severe cases of scurvy may require this medical intervention to prevent complications, such as bleeding gums and skin issues.
What is Vitamin C supplementation?
Scurvy can cause increased red blood cell breakdown and impaired liver function. As a result, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to this condition.
What is Jaundice?
A mutation in the gene encoding this enzyme, eliminated the human body's ability to synthesize vitamin C.
L-gulonolactone oxidase
This enzyme works in conjunction with Vitamin C ( Ascorbate ) to produce collogen.
What is Prolyl Hydroxylase?
In advanced scurvy, patients may develop this condition where their hair shafts are abnormally twisted and coiled —a distinctive finding resulting from defective collagen anchoring.
What are corkscrew hairs?
Scurvy was historically common among sailors because of a lack of this type of food on long voyages.
What are fresh fruits and vegetables?
Though rare, weakened blood vessels can lead to this condition causing symptoms like proptosis and vision loss.
What is orbital hemorrhage?