Rachel,
That's scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency. Yes, plasma vitamin C is a useful measurement to support this diagnosis.
It's not that uncommon but generally overlooked or discounted - as you say, you tend to discourage requests. You will find it particularly among your elderly in-patients. Usually starts with skin petechiae, then gum bleeding, followed by sheet haemorrhaging as the dermis and epidermis disconnect.
Nick Miller
London
-----Original Message-----
From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Angharad Shore
Sent: 10 January 2014 16:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Vitamin C
Dear Colleagues
I would be grateful for any advice you may have regarding interpretation of a Vitamin C result from several years ago. The patient in question had gastric banding surgery, and in light of some “gum skin breakdown” during follow-up his GP requested a Vitamin C (and a Vitamin B6, which was normal). The lithium heparin sample was spun and frozen within 10 min after collection, and upon analysis the Vitamin C was low at 13 umol/L (reference range 20-100).
The question has been asked as to whether the patient at the time had developed scurvy, and would the Vitamin C level be consistent with this? Is measurement of Vitamin C generally of any use in cases of suspected scurvy? We tend to discourage requests.
Many thanks in anticipation
Best wishes
Rachel
Rachel Still
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Clinical Biochemistry Service
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board Morriston Hospital Swansea SA6 6NL Tel 01792 703988
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This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry.
Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content.
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