Niacin Deficiency and Pellagra
The characteristic triad of symptoms – diarrhoea, dementia, and dermatitis – is a hallmark sign of Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency. This condition is known as Pellagra.
Understanding the Symptoms
Niacin is crucial for cellular metabolism. When deficient, the body cannot properly function, leading to symptoms affecting multiple systems:
- Diarrhoea: Affects the digestive system.
- Dementia: Manifests as confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive issues.
- Dermatitis: Typically appears as a symmetrical, red rash on sun-exposed skin, often around the neck (Casal's necklace).
The deficiency primarily occurs due to inadequate intake of Niacin or its precursor, tryptophan, or conditions impairing its absorption.
Identifying the Correct Vitamin
Based on the characteristic triad:
- Riboflavin deficiency causes ariboflavinosis (sore throat, skin lesions, glossitis).
- Thiamine deficiency causes Beriberi (neurological and cardiovascular issues).
- Pyridoxine deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, anaemia, and seizures.
- Niacin deficiency specifically causes Pellagra with its classic '3 Ds'.
Therefore, the correct vitamin is Niacin.
Important Questions from Vitamin B Complex Deficiency
Consider the following statements regarding Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome :
1. It is a rare complication of chronic alcohol misuse characterised by opthalmoplegia, ataxia and delirium.
2. There is damage to the mammillary bodies and dorsomedial nuclei of thalamus.
3. The underlying cause is deficiency of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).
4. The syndrome can also arise due to malabsorption or protracted vomiting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A 35 year old man with history of alcoholism presents with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and global confusion. The treatment of choice for this patient is:
- The classical features of Wernicke's encephalopathy are the following except:
- Vitamin B$_{12}$ deficiency can cause the following except:
- Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
