Nutritional Disorders

Question 1

Describe Scurvy?

Answer 1

• Lack of virtamin C
• Poor, pregnant or an odd diet?
• Tests: WBC, ascorbic acid
• Tx: Diet education, ascorbic acid PO

Question 2

Signs of scurvy?

Answer 2

• Listlessness, anorexia, cachexia
• Gingivitis, loose teeth, foul breath
• Bleeding from fums, nose or hair follicles
• Muscle pain/weakness
• Oedema

Question 3

Describe Beriberi?

Answer 3

• Lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Heart failure with general oedema OR neuropathy

Question 4

Describe Pellagra?

Answer 4

• Vitamin B3
• Lack of nicotinic acid
• Triad:
  
  • Dementia
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dermatitis
• Can occur in carcinoid syndrome and with anti-TB drugs (isoniazid)
• Tx: Education, electrolyte replacement, nicotinamide

Question 5

Describe Xeropthalmia?

Answer 5

• Vitamin A deficiency syndrome
• Cauise of blindness in the tropics
• Dry conjuctivae with triangular spots
• Corneas become cloudy and soft
• Tx: Diet education, give vitamin A

Question 6

Sites of absorption

Answer 6