Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/32181
Title: Scurvy-Characteristic Features and Forensic Issues
Contributor(s): Byard, Roger W (author); Maxwell-Stewart, Hamish  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2019-03
DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000442
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/32181
Abstract: Scurvy is a multisystem condition that arises from vitamin C deficiency. As humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, serum and tissue levels depend on bioavailability, utilization, and renal excretion. Deficiencies result in defective collagen formation with swelling of gums, leg ulceration, and bleeding manifestations. Death most often results from infection and hemorrhage. In a forensic context, scurvy may mimic inflicted injuries and may be responsible for sudden death by mechanisms that remain unclear. Cardiac failure and rhythm disturbances with chest pain, hypotension, cardiac tamponade, and dyspnea are associated with vitamin C deficiency. In addition, syncope and seizures may occur. Although far less common than in previous centuries, scurvy is still present in high-risk populations that include alcoholics, isolated elderly individuals, food faddists, institutionalized patients, those with mental illness, and those who have had bariatric surgery or with underlying gastrointestinal conditions. Scurvy should therefore be a diagnosis to consider in medicolegal cases of apparent trauma and sudden death.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Grant Details: ARC/DP180103952
Source of Publication: The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 40(1), p. 43-46
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Place of Publication: United States of America
ISSN: 1533-404X
0195-7910
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 210303 Australian History (excl. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History)
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 430399 Historical studies not elsewhere classified
500203 History and philosophy of medicine
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 970121 Expanding Knowledge in History and Archaeology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 280113 Expanding knowledge in history, heritage and archaeology
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C5 Other Refereed Contribution to a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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