A 10-month-old exclusively breastfed infant presents with irritability, refusal to bear weight, and subperiosteal hemorrhages on X-ray. Gum examination shows perifollicular hemorrhages. What is the DEFICIENCY?

• A Vitamin B12
• B Vitamin K
• C Iron deficiency
• D Vitamin C (Scurvy) ✓

Explanation

This presentation is classic infantile scurvy (Barlow's disease) caused by Vitamin C deficiency, seen in infants fed exclusively on heat-processed milk without citrus supplementation. The pathology is impaired collagen synthesis causing subperiosteal hemorrhages (causing pseudoparalysis), perifollicular hemorrhages, and bleeding gums. The 'Trummerfeld zone' (zone of destruction) and 'Pelkan spur' are X-ray hallmarks. Treatment is 100-300 mg Vitamin C daily for several weeks.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.