Pellagra and alcoholism: case report

Main Article Content

Ana Caroline Gonçalves de Sá Novaes
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3350-5676
Rafael Teles Sanches
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8214-2608
João Marcos Souza
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7822-9081
Zuleika Santiago de Medeiros Carneiro
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7533-2224
Joanilson Andrade Freire Junior
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6195-9539
Nilo Fernandes Costa

Abstract

Pellagra is mainly caused by a niacin deficiency or its precursor amino acid, tryptophan. We report a case of a male patient, 34 years old, a chronic alcoholic with delirium tremens and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, inappetence, and heartburn). He presented erythematous-brown, scaly, and well-defined plaques dispersed throughout the integument (photo-exposed areas) for 2 months that evolved with ulceration and hematic crusts. The case was diagnosed as pellagra associated with secondary bacterial infection and treated with rest, an unrestricted diet, B-complex replacement, abstention from alcohol, restriction of sun exposure, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. The treatment allowed for significant improvement of symptoms in one week. Aspects of the pathophysiology and differential diagnoses of this condition are discussed, reinforcing the importance of considering pellagra in diagnosing patients with skin lesions associated with risk factors for malnutrition.



Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Novaes ACG de S, Sanches RT, Souza JM, Carneiro ZS de M, Junior JAF, Costa NF. Pellagra and alcoholism: case report. HSJ [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 25 [cited 2024 Nov. 2];12(4):66-70. Available from: https://portalrcs.hcitajuba.org.br/index.php/rcsfmit_zero/article/view/1292
Section
CASE REPORT
Author Biographies

Ana Caroline Gonçalves de Sá Novaes, Federal University of Tocantins

Fourth-year medical student at the Federal University of Tocantins.

Rafael Teles Sanches, Federal University of Tocantins

Fourth-year medical student at the Federal University of Tocantins.

João Marcos Souza, Federal University of Tocantins

Fourth-year Medical Student at the Federal University of Tocantins.

Zuleika Santiago de Medeiros Carneiro, Federal University of Tocantins

Fourth-year Medical Student at the Federal University of Tocantins.

Joanilson Andrade Freire Junior, Federal University of Tocantins

Graduated in Physiotherapy from the Metropolitan Union of Education and Culture (Unime). Academic of the 4th year of Medicine at the Federal University of Tocantins.

Nilo Fernandes Costa, Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT)

Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Title of Specialist in Dermatology by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). Dermatologist at the General Hospital of Palmas (HGP). Master in Health Sciences from the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT). Doctoral candidate in Science at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT).

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