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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Scurvy Past and Present, by Alfred Fabian Hess
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Title: Scurvy Past and Present
-
-Author: Alfred Fabian Hess
-
-Release Date: August 14, 2012 [EBook #40505]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCURVY PAST AND PRESENT ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Bryan Ness, Thiers Halliwell and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
-file was produced from images generously made available
-by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
-
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber's notes:
-
-In this plain text version, bold script is denoted by =equals signs= and
-italic script by _underscores_. Underscores are also used with curly
-brackets to represent subscripted characters (e.g. CO_{2}). Text that
-was originally rendered in small capitals now appears in full capitals.
-Footnotes are located below the relevant paragraphs.
-
-The book contains numerous spelling inconsistencies. No change has been
-made to those representing archaic spellings (e.g. 'somethimes', 'urin',
-'feavers', 'joynts') and those occurring in quotations. Spelling
-variants occurring with similar frequency have been left in their
-original form (e.g. Röntgen/Roentgen, rachitic/rhachitic,
-albumen/albumin - the correct spellings is used for egg albumen but both
-are used randomly for serum/urine albumin). Most other spelling
-inconsistencies have been changed to the more-frequent or more-accurate
-form (e.g. twofold-->two-fold, guinea pig-->guinea-pig, oedema-->edema,
-neuroedema-->neuredema, gm.-->g., Luborsch-->Lubarsch, Bauman-->Baumann,
-McCluggage-->McClugage, Eijkmann-->Eijkman). Although the spelling of
-'fæces' and its adjective 'fecal' is not consistent, the two spellings
-are used consistently throughout the book and therefore have not been
-altered. Similarly 'hemorrhage' and 'hemoglobin' are consistently spelt
-thus, while other words relating to blood consistently use the æ
-ligature, e.g. 'hæmatemesis', 'hæmatoma', 'hæmaturia', 'leukæmia',
-'hyperæmia'.
-
-Wrong or missing French accents and typos have been corrected where
-necessary. German expressions in the bibliography contain various
-apparent inconsistencies that have not been changed because of my
-unfamiliarity with the language and what was perhaps legitimate at the
-time of writing (e.g. 'Muench. med. Woch.', 'Muenchn. med. Woch.' and
-'Muenschner med. Woch.'; 'Barlow'schen Krankheit' 'Moeller-Barlow'sche
-Krankheit', 'Moeller-Barlow'scher Krankheit', and 'Moeller-Barlowscher
-Krankheit'; 'Beiträge z.', 'Beitraege zur', 'Beitrag zur'). The term
-'Gernest-mark' on p. 108 should probably be 'geruestmark' (or perhaps
-gerüstmark) as used elsewhere in the book (pp. 96, 107, 108 and 128).
-
-The book also contains numerous hyphenation inconsistencies. Some of
-these have been altered to conform with the most common usage in the
-text, but most have not been changed because hyphenation is notoriously
-variable and subject to fashion.
-
-Subheading use is somewhat inconsistent; for example, under the
-subheading 'Alimentary Tract' in chapter IV, there appear various
-non-alimentary items, and in the same chapter 'Microscopic Pathology'
-appears as a stand-alone subheading whilst its equivalent 'Gross
-Pathology' is relegated to a bold in-line paragraph introduction.
-
-The bibliography contains two very similar references attributed to Gee.
-The second appears to be a duplicate of the first, but it is probable
-that the title is incorrect because the publication details (1889, XXV,
-85) relate to a different paper by Gee entitled 'Bloody Urine the Only
-Sign of Infantile Scurvy', and although there are several comments in
-this book about scurvy and haematuria (blood in the urine), e.g. p. 204,
-none cite Gee's paper.
-
-The second entry for Morse, J. L. in the bibliography should be numbered
-as (2) and the source should be Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, 1914,
-CLXX, 504. (not Jour. Am. Med. Assn.).
-
-Inconsistent punctuation in the bibliography list has been corrected
-(e.g. semicolon-->colon).
-
- * * * * *
-
-
-
-
- SCURVY
-
- PAST AND PRESENT
-
- BY
-
- ALFRED F. HESS, M.D.
-
- CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF PEDIATRICS, UNIVERSITY AND BELLEVUE HOSPITAL
- MEDICAL COLLEGE, NEW YORK CITY
-
- _ILLUSTRATED_
-
- [Illustration]
-
- PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON
- J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
-
-
- COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
-
- PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
- AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS
- PHILADELPHIA, U. S. A.
-
-
-
-
-PREFACE
-
-
-Interest in scurvy has been stimulated in the last few years as the
-result of a new and broader conception of nutrition. It has come to be
-realized that in addition to the substances heretofore recognized as of
-essential importance in the dietary--the proteins, fats, carbohydrates
-and the salts--there is still another group, termed "vitamines,"
-"accessory food factors" or "food hormones," which must be included in
-order to render the diet complete and adequate. It has become
-increasingly evident that the attention of physiologists and of
-clinicians has been focussed too sharply and too narrowly on the caloric
-value of foodstuffs. At the same time we have begun to appreciate the
-existence of a group of nutritional disorders which depend largely on a
-deficiency of these illusive vitamines or food factors, and which
-evidently are of vital importance to the welfare of the individual and
-of mankind. Scurvy is one of this newly-constituted group, and due to
-this association has acquired a fresh and broader significance. It is in
-this light that the intensive research work must be interpreted, which
-has been applied within the past few years, both in this country and
-abroad, to problems relating to this disorder. It is clear that the
-subject is in its infancy, and is destined to participate in a
-consideration of many of the nutritional and infectious diseases of the
-adult and the child.
-
-The World War has tended also to demand a renewed consideration of
-scurvy. This disorder has played a rôle in all wars--in the campaigns of
-the Cæsars, the pilgrim ages of the Crusaders, and the numerous wars of
-the last century. In the recent war it existed among the various
-armies, particularly those in the East, to an extent greater than at
-first was realized. In Mesopotamia it is stated to have been one of the
-decisive factors in forcing the surrender of the British at Kut. Its
-incidence, however, was not limited to the military forces. Reports from
-England and the continental countries clearly indicate that scurvy
-prevailed among the civilian population during the past few years to a
-degree unknown in peace times. This was especially true of infants and
-children.
-
-For the past seven years I have been engaged in an investigation of
-scurvy both in the laboratory and in the clinic, and have treated
-various aspects of the subject in a large number of articles published
-in various medical journals. In the course of these studies there has
-been ample opportunity for a comprehensive review of the
-widely-scattered literature. No treatise on scurvy has been published in
-English since the classical work of Lind in 1772. The time, therefore,
-seemed opportune to gather into one volume the recent advances in this
-field and to offer to the clinician, to the hygienist, and to the
-biological chemist a presentation of the existing status of this
-important nutritional disease.
-
-It is with pleasure that I acknowledge my obligation to Dr. Lester J.
-Unger, who has assisted in carrying out much of the work described in
-this volume. Thanks are due also to Dr. Charles Gottlieb for the
-radiographs which are here reproduced, and to Dr. Gertrude McCann for
-seeing the work through the press. To my associates in the clinic who
-shared in the observations, and to friends who read various chapters in
-the course of their preparation, I wish to express my appreciation.
-
- ALFRED F. HESS.
-
- New York,
- August, 1920.
-
-
-
-
-CONTENTS PAGE
-
-
-PREFACE iii-iv
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-HISTORY OF SCURVY 1
-
- (_a_) OUTBREAKS ON LAND; (_b_) OUTBREAKS AT SEA; (_c_) INFANTILE
- SCURVY; (_d_) SCURVY IN THE WORLD WAR
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-PATHOGENESIS AND ETIOLOGY 23
-
- PATHOGENESIS: THEORIES; POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY; ACIDOSIS; TOXIC;
- BACTERIAL; VITAMINE (ACCESSORY FACTOR)
-
-ETIOLOGY: BREAST-FED INFANTS 35
-
- ARTIFICIALLY FED INFANTS: PASTEURIZED MILK; BOILED AND STERILIZED
- MILK; DRIED MILK; CONDENSED MILK; PROPRIETARY FOODS (EFFECT
- OF ALKALIZATION) 40
-
- AGE, SEASON AND CLIMATE; ECONOMIC STATUS; PSYCHIC ELEMENT;
- PREDISPOSITION; EFFECT OF OTHER FOOD CONSTITUENTS; EXCITING
- FACTORS
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-THE ANTISCORBUTIC VITAMINE 62
-
- CHARACTERISTICS: RELATION TO HEAT, DRYING, AGING, ULTRA-VIOLET
- RAYS, SHAKING 65
-
- MODE OF ACTION--(_a_) DIRECT: AS A NUTRIMENT; ANTITOXIN;
- CATALYZER; (_b_) INDIRECT: ENDOCRINE ACTION 69
-
- FATE IN THE BODY: STORING; CONTENT IN BLOOD; EXCRETION; FATE IN
- GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT; EFFECT ON DIGESTIVE PROCESSES 74
-
- IRREGULARITIES OF ACTION; EFFECT ON GROWTH
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-PATHOLOGY 81
-
- (_a_) GROSS: GENERAL APPEARANCE; HEMORRHAGES; ANASARCA; HEART;
- LUNGS; ALIMENTARY TRACT AND ITS GLANDS; URINARY TRACT; LYMPH
- NODES; ORGANS OF INTERNAL SECRETION; BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD;
- BONES;
-
- (_b_) MICROSCOPIC: SKIN; MUSCLES; BLOOD-VESSELS;
- LUNGS; HEART; INTESTINAL TRACT AND ITS GLANDS; KIDNEY;
- ADRENALS; PANCREAS; THYMUS; CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; PERIPHERAL
- NERVES; RETINA; BONES
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-EXPERIMENTAL SCURVY 111
-
- HISTORICAL REVIEW
-
- PATHOGENESIS 116
-
- PATHOLOGY: EFFECT ON THE FOETUS; SCURVY IN THE MONKEY;
- MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGY; BONES; TEETH; NERVES; BLOOD VESSELS;
- INTERPRETATION OF BACTERIA IN THE TISSUES 122
-
- SYMPTOMS 135
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-ANTISCORBUTIC FOODS 143
-
- HISTORICAL REVIEW 143
-
- MILK: RAW; PASTEURIZED; DRIED 150
-
- FRUITS AND FRUIT JUICES: DRIED 153
-
- VEGETABLES: CABBAGE; EFFECT OF HEATING. POTATO. SWEDE 158
- DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES: CANNED FOODS (TOMATOES) 166
-
- GERMINATED CEREALS AND PULSES; MEAT AND EGGS; BEER AND ALCOHOLIC
- BEVERAGES; MISCELLANEOUS
-
- CONCLUSIONS 173
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS 176
-
- IN ADULTS 176
-
- IN INFANTS: (_a_) ACUTE; (b) SUBACUTE; (_c_) LATENT.--HEMORRHAGE
- OF GUMS; SUBPERIOSTEAL HEMORRHAGE: SKIN; MUCOUS MEMBRANES
- AND SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUES; HEMORRHAGES OF INTERNAL ORGANS;
- NAILS AND HAIR; ECZEMA; EDEMA; TENDERNESS; BEADING OF RIBS;
- SEPARATION OF EPIPHYSIS; "WHITE LINE"; CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM;
- "CARDIORESPIRATORY SYNDROME"; NERVOUS SYSTEM; URINARY SYSTEM;
- THE BLOOD AND BLOOD-VESSELS; NUTRITION AND GROWTH; FEVER;
- COMPLICATIONS; EPIDEMIC FORM 183
-
- DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: RHEUMATISM; PURPURA; CONGENITAL SYPHILIS;
- BONE TUMORS; OSTEOMYELITIS; POLIOMYELITIS, ETC. 219
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-PROGNOSIS 225
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-TREATMENT 230
-
- PREVENTATIVE; CURATIVE
-
- NON-DIETETIC
-
-
-CHAPTER X
-
-METABOLISM 241
-
- IN ADULTS: BODY EXCHANGES 241
-
- IN INFANTS: BODY EXCHANGES; ANALYSIS OF ORGANS; CHEMISTRY OF
- BLOOD 242
-
- IN ANIMALS: MONKEY; GUINEA-PIG 245
-
-
-CHAPTER XI
-
-RELATION OF SCURVY TO OTHER DISEASES 248
-
- BERIBERI; SHIP-BERIBERI; PELLAGRA; RICKETS; OSTEOGENESIS
- IMPERFECTA; OSTEOMALACIA; HUNGER EDEMA; "MEHLNAERSCHADEN";
- EXUDATIVE DIATHESIS; DISEASES DUE TO A FOOD EXCESS
-
-APPENDIX: LIND'S RECIPES FOR PREPARING STABLE ANTISCORBUTICS 259
-
-BIBLIOGRAPHY 261
-
-
-
-
-ILLUSTRATIONS
-
-
-FIG. PAGE
-
- 1. Dependence on potato as antiscorbutic 7
-
- 2. Weight curve of scorbutic baby. Effect of alkalization of milk 51
-
- 3. Lumbar cord in case of scurvy 104
-
- 4. Lumbar cord in case of scurvy. Focal degeneration 104
-
- 5. Bone in scurvy. Microscopic pathology 105
-
- 6. Subperiosteal hemorrhage and separation of epiphysis.
- Roentgenogram 108
-
- 7. Complete restitution of epiphysis without deformity.
- Roentgenogram 109
-
- 8. Curve of fecal excretion in scurvy 120
-
- 9. Diagrammatic representation of guinea-pig scurvy 128
-
-10. Loss of weight in guinea-pig scurvy 139
-
-11. Dried milk as an antiscorbutic 140
-
-12. Dehydrated vegetables as a cause of scurvy 164
-
-13. Cure of scurvy by addition of canned tomato 166
-
-14. Failure of yeast as prophylactic 171
-
-15. Temperature, pulse, and respiration in scurvy 186
-
-16. Subperiosteal hemorrhage and separation of epiphysis.
- Roentgenogram 192
-
-17. Periosteal "tags" and "streamers." Roentgenogram 193
-
-18. Infant with marked scurvy. Characteristic position 198
-
-19. Scorbutic beading of ribs. Roentgenogram 198
-
-20. "White line." Roentgenogram 199
-
-21. Cardiac enlargement. Roentgenogram 200
-
-22. Electrocardiogram showing "cardiorespiratory syndrome" 201
-
-23. Stationary weight during cure of scurvy. Oliguria followed by
- polyuria 206
-
-24. Development of scurvy in spite of normal gain in weight 214
-
-25. Retardation of growth in length when no orange juice was given
- and supergrowth when given once more 216
-
-
-TABLES
-
-TABLE PAGE
-
- 1. Fecal flora of scorbutic infants 29
-
- 2. Necropsy reports of scurvy 82
-
- 3. Relative distribution of the antiscorbutic factor in the commoner
- foodstuffs 157
-
- 4. Platelets and other blood cells in scurvy 209
-
- 5. Data of epidemic of scurvy 218
-
- 6. Duration of treatment before marked improvement was noticed 237
-
-
-
-
- SCURVY
- PAST AND PRESENT
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-HISTORY OF SCURVY[1]
-
-
-[1] The best historical review of scurvy is to be found in Hirsch's
-Handbook of Geographic and Historical Pathology, from which account we
-have drawn many facts.
-
-=Outbreaks on Land.=--Like many other diseases, the life history of
-scurvy shows several distinct phases. We hear of it first as a plague,
-infesting armies and besieged towns; then as a dread disease, decimating
-the sailors of the navy and of the mercantile marine, and, since the end
-of the last century, more often as a nutritional disturbance,
-endangering the health of infants. Very recently it has acquired an
-entirely new interest, as the representative of a class of disorders
-which has revealed the essential importance to man of unknown dietary
-factors.
-
-It is difficult, as may be imagined, to define with precision the
-earliest description of scurvy, as the older references are so vague as
-to be open to individual interpretation. The reference of Hippocrates to
-a large number of men in the army who suffered from pains in the legs
-and gangrene of the gums, which was accompanied by loss of teeth, seems
-sufficiently definite to be identified as this disease. The Greek, Roman
-and Arabian writers do not seem to have been acquainted with scurvy.
-This is as we should expect, for fruits and vegetables grew in such
-plenty in these southern countries that scurvy must have been a disorder
-of rare occurrence.
-
-An interesting early description of scurvy, and one which is quite
-convincing, is that of de Joinville, who accompanied the Crusaders in
-their invasion of Egypt under St. Lewis, about the middle of the
-thirteenth century. He refers to the lividity and spongy condition of
-the gums, and describes how "the barber surgeons were forced to cut away
-the dead flesh from the gums to enable the people to masticate their
-food"; he describes their debility, their tendency to faint, and the
-black spots on their legs. The disease broke out in Lent, during which
-time the soldiers partook of no meat, but consumed a species of eel
-which they believed "ate the dead people" and therefore led to this
-loathsome disease.
-
-It is probable that scurvy existed in the northern parts of Europe and
-Asia ever since they were settled by man. We should hardly expect to
-have records of this condition, in view of the low educational status of
-the people, their greatly restricted literature, and their lack of
-intercourse with the people in the southern countries. In the sixteenth
-century, with the development and spread of education, we begin to hear
-of scurvy from various sources. Claus Magnus, in his "History of the
-Northern Nations," published in 1555, described the disease which he
-tells us flourished among the soldiers in the camps and in the prisons.
-About this time Ronsseus, Echtius and Wierus wrote special treatises on
-this disease, and recommended many dietary measures which we recognize
-to-day as most efficacious. The number of monographs on this subject
-multiplied with great rapidity in the course of the next twenty-five or
-fifty years; none of them, however, added anything essential to our
-knowledge. In 1645 the Faculty of Medicine at Copenhagen published a
-"consilium" for the benefit of the poor, treating of the causes,
-prevention and cure of this disease, which was prevalent among the Danes
-and other northern nations.
-
-The colonists of the northern part of America were sorely afflicted with
-scurvy. It is said that the French met with such high mortality during
-the severe winters in Canada, that they frequently debated the wisdom of
-abandoning this settlement. This was true also in regard to the English
-and their settlement in Newfoundland. Indeed, it was scurvy which forced
-the early settlers in Hudson Bay to discontinue their intentions of
-colonizing that region.
-
-In an essay published in the eighteenth century (1734), Bachstrom
-described an epidemic of scurvy which occurred in 1703 during the siege
-of Thorn, in Prussia, by the Swedes, which caused the death of 5000 of
-the garrison, in addition to a large number of the inhabitants. It is
-interesting to note that this epidemic took place in the middle of the
-summer, and not in the cold season. From this time on we meet with many
-descriptions of scurvy in connection with the wars at various periods.
-For instance, in the Russian armies, in the war between the Austrians
-and the Turks in 1720; in the English troops who had taken Quebec from
-the French in 1759; among the French soldiers in the army of the Alps in
-the spring of 1795. It is unnecessary to review these accounts in
-detail. This period is distinguished rather by the appearance of a great
-classic on Scurvy, the work of the English naval hygienist, Lind (1752).
-This book has intrinsic value to-day, and, at the time it appeared,
-served to crystallize the conception of scurvy, which had been stretched
-out of all proportions to include an ever-increasing conglomeration of
-clinical conditions. Scurvy had become the Alpha and Omega of
-professional routine, the catchword of the day, the asylum ignorantiæ of
-the practical man. Into this chaos, as Hirsch expresses it, "the first
-beams of light fell when Lind's classical work appeared."
-
-It will be of little value to consider the great number of epidemics of
-scurvy which occurred from this time to the present day. They may be
-found in tabular form in the excellent survey of scurvy by Hirsch. The
-literature of this long period may likewise be found in a work of
-encyclopædic character, that of Krebel, which gives the titles, with a
-summary of the various articles on this subject, appearing to the year
-1859. If we look over the chronological table compiled by Hirsch, we
-note a remarkable similarity regarding the incidence of the recurring
-epidemics. In almost all cases they broke out among troops, whether in
-Russia, in India, in Africa, or in our United States. The epidemics
-which are not attributable to military life or campaigns are found to
-have taken place generally in prisons, insane asylums, poorhouses or
-houses of refuge and correction. It would seem that no war is omitted
-from this list of sickness and death. There are in all 143 land
-epidemics between 1556 and 1877, two occurring in the sixteenth century,
-four in the seventeenth, 33 in the eighteenth, and 104 in the nineteenth
-century. The marked increase in the nineteenth century occurred in
-institutions, in asylums and prisons, rather than in the armies. This
-fact may be ascribed to altered social conditions which led to a great
-multiplication of eleemosynary institutions.
-
-Coming down to more recent times, we learn that scurvy occurred
-extensively during the Crimean War, and that it was prevalent also among
-the troops in our own Civil War. In the "Medical and Surgical History of
-the War of the Rebellion," we find the following statements:
-
- "A scorbutic tendency was developed at most of our military posts
- during the winter season, after the troops had been confined to the
- use of the ordinary ration with the desiccated vegetables. The
- latter in the quantities failed to repress the disease. At posts
- which could be readily supplied with potatoes only the taint was
- manifested, on account of a want of liberality in the issues." And
- again: "Among the white troops during the five and one-sixth years
- covered by the statistics, 30,714 cases of scurvy were reported; and
- 383 deaths were attributed directly to that disease."
-
-Munson writes: "It (scurvy) prevailed among our troops during the Civil
-War and its recognition was a surprise and shock to professional ideas
-preconceived from practice in civil life."
-
-As is well known, the besieged in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War
-in the winter of 1870-71 suffered severely from scurvy. The accounts of
-their pitiable condition have been portrayed for us by numerous French
-writers (Delpech, Hayem, Lasèque and Legroux). The people lived mainly
-on rice and bread, with an occasional addition of potatoes or horse
-meat. The winter was exceptionally severe, which was supposed to have
-intensified the scorbutic condition. Not only were the inmates of the
-prisons on the Seine attacked, numbering about one thousand, but even
-the patients in the military hospitals developed the disease. It is of
-interest to remember that the siege lasted but little over four months,
-from September 17th to January 27th, the date of the armistice.
-
-In the Russo-Japanese War, after the siege of Port Arthur, it was found
-that one-half of the garrison of 17,000 men had scurvy.
-
-Although there are certain parts of the world where scurvy is of
-frequent occurrence, no country has been entirely free from it. As might
-be expected, it has been particularly prevalent in the North, where
-vegetation is scanty--in Greenland, Alaska, Russia and the Baltic
-States. It has likewise prevailed in the tropics when the crops have
-failed. India has been conspicuous for its large number of epidemics;
-some years ago scurvy occurred in Arabia among the English troops
-stationed at Aden, both among the British and the native troops. A
-recent communication from Aruba, a small island of Dutch Guiana, lying
-north of Venezuela, illustrates how devastating scurvy still is in some
-parts of the world. This account tells of 3000 cases of this disease
-which occurred in 1915 among a population of less than 10,000, owing to
-the fact that the crops had failed almost entirely during the years
-1912, 1913 and 1914.
-
-It is important for us to realize that we are still dependent on the
-annual crops for our protection from scurvy; in other words, the world
-is leading a hand-to-mouth existence in regard to its quota of
-antiscorbutic food. The truth of this condition has been realized for
-Ireland, sadly illustrated by numerous epidemics, notably the great
-epidemic of 1847 reported by Curran. It was demonstrated by the
-outbreaks of scurvy in Norway in 1904 and 1912, and was brought to the
-attention of many in the United States in the spring of 1916. In this
-year our potato crop fell far below the normal, with the result that
-scurvy appeared in various parts of the United States, especially in
-institutions (Fig. 1).
-
-[Illustration: Fig. 1.--A comparison between the requisitioned quantity
-(in thousand pound units) of potatoes and other vegetables, and the
-quantity received per month by an institution in which more than 200
-cases of scurvy occurred at the beginning of April, 1916. The total
-height of column represents the amount needed and requisitioned; the
-solid black portion the amount received. The number of inmates in the
-institution remained approximately the same.
-
-The chart illustrates our great dependence on the potato during the
-winter months. This is due not only to its intrinsic antiscorbutic
-potency, but, probably quite as much, to the fact that fully twice as
-many pounds of potatoes are consumed during the winter as of all other
-vegetables combined. Therefore, if this crop fails or is dehydrated,
-scurvy will develop in the spring.]
-
-The fact that scurvy may occur in any land and climate, even in the
-garden spots of the world, is strikingly shown by the epidemics reported
-from Algiers, and the ravages of this disease among the gold seekers in
-California in 1849. Nothing could be more incongruous than the
-occurrence of a deficiency disease in this land of plenty.
-
-=Outbreaks at Sea.=--It is doubtful, however, whether attention would
-have been focussed so early and so sharply on scurvy, had it not been
-for the voyages of exploration undertaken in the sixteenth century.
-These long trips on sailing vessels, where for many months little or no
-fresh vegetable or animal food was obtainable, were almost as if
-designed to make a test of the dietetic origin of scurvy. The result was
-inevitable--five to six months after the ships were out of touch with
-land, the majority of the crew frequently were incapacitated by this
-disease, thereby wrecking many an expedition.[2]
-
-[2] The fact that crews of vessels which set sail in winter were more
-subject to scurvy than those which set out in the summer must be
-attributed to the existence of latent scurvy among the sailors at the
-time of sailing, rather than to the season of the year.
-
-The earliest account of the outbreak of scurvy at sea is that of Vasco
-de Gama, who in 1497 discovered a passage to the East Indies by way of
-the Cape of Good Hope. The narratives of subsequent explorers,
-especially those of Cartier and of Drake, are replete with descriptions
-of the ravages of scurvy. The expedition of Lord Anson in 1740 is
-always cited as a memorable example of an undertaking which foundered as
-the result of scurvy. After a cruise of four years, this expedition had
-lost from this disease more than four out of five of the original number
-of its crews. In striking contrast to this picture, and to that
-furnished by the voyages of earlier navigators, is that of Captain Cook,
-who in 1772 undertook a voyage lasting over three years, sailing from
-52° north to 71° south, with a loss of but one of his crew from disease,
-and that not from scurvy. This remarkable feat, more than any other,
-centered attention on the feasibility of preventing scurvy, and resulted
-in measures tending to eradicate it from the navy. Captain Cook
-attributed the absence of scurvy among his crew to "sweetwort," an
-infusion of barley, which he prepared fresh and served liberally. He
-also prized the antiscorbutic value of sauerkraut.
-
-We find accordingly in 1795, at the instance of Sir Gilbert Blaine, that
-improvements were introduced in the victualling of the fleet. As the
-result of a regular ration of lemon juice, the incidence of scurvy fell
-precipitously. It is due largely to this provision that between the
-years 1779 and 1813, according to the statistics of Sir Jay Barrow, the
-morbidity and the mortality in the British Navy was decreased by 75 per
-cent.
-
-It has been shown that it took a generation after the efficacy of
-antiscorbutics had been demonstrated in various expeditions, for an
-antiscorbutic to be included in the ration of the navy. The merchant
-marine of England was far more conservative, and for many years after
-scurvy had been eradicated from the navy we still read of its occurrence
-on the vessels making voyages to India, China and Ceylon. Gradually,
-however, its incidence became less and less. Its toll of death, before
-preventive measures were employed, may be appreciated from the fact that
-it has been estimated that scurvy destroyed more sailors than all other
-causes incidental to sea life, including the great slaughter of naval
-warfare. Sir R. Hawkins stated in the latter part of the sixteenth
-century that he could give an account of 10,000 mariners who had been
-destroyed by scurvy during the twenty years that he had been at sea.
-
-As is well known, scurvy has played an important rôle in Arctic and
-Antarctic explorations, and has been the cause of the failure of many of
-these expeditions. It is now realized that the development of scurvy is
-quite preventable, that if a sufficient quantity of meat (especially raw
-meat) is consumed, explorers can be entirely independent of a supply of
-fresh vegetables. This fact was brought out by the Arctic Survey
-Committee (British), who "were appointed to enquire into the causes of
-the outbreak of scurvy in the recent Arctic expedition" (1877), and who
-reported that it may result from an absence of fresh meat. That this
-conclusion was sound has been proved by the experiences of Nansen and of
-Johansen, who wintered safely in Franz-Josefsland on a diet of meat and
-bacon. More recently Stefánsson has carried out successful Arctic
-explorations, depending entirely on fresh meat as antiscorbutic
-foodstuff and making no provision whatsoever for vegetable food.
-
-=Infantile Scurvy.=--Glisson, to whom we owe the first description of
-rickets, likewise was the first to recognize scurvy in infants. In his
-classic treatise on rickets, written in 1668, he writes as follows:
-
- "The scurvy is sometimes conjoyned with the affect. It is either
- hereditary, or perhaps in so tender a constitution contracted by
- infection, or lastly, it is produced from the indiscreet and
- erroneous Regiment of the infant, and chiefly from the inclemency of
- the air and climate where the child is educated."
-
- "The scurvy complicated with this affect hath these signs: 1. They
- that labor under this affect do impatiently indure purgations; but
- they who are only affected with the Rachites do easily tolerate the
- same. 2. They are much offended with violent exercises, neither can
- they at all endure them. But although in this affect alone, there be
- a kind of slothfulness and aversation from exercise, yet exercise
- doth not so manifestly, at least not altogether so manifestly hurt
- them, as when the scurvy is conjoyned with the Rachites. 3. Upon any
- concitated and vehement motion they draw not breath without much
- difficulty, they are vexed with diverse pains running through their
- joynts, and these they give warning of by theyr crying, the motion
- of the Pulse is frequent and unequal, and somethimes they are
- troubled with a Palpitation of the Heart, or threatened with a
- Lypothymie, which Affects are for the most part soon mitigated, or
- altogether appeased by laying them down to rest. 4. Tumours do very
- commonly appear in the Gums. 5. The urin upon the absence of the
- accustomed feavers is much more intense and increased."
-
-Glisson's description of scurvy was entirely lost sight of, overshadowed
-by his description of rickets, so that for over two hundred years no
-word of infantile scurvy is to be found either in the English or other
-literature. There is no doubt that from time to time cases must have
-occurred, but they were looked upon probably as rickets or as a
-manifestation of one of the hemorrhagic diseases.
-
-In 1859 Moeller described some cases which evidently were scurvy, but
-which he termed "acute rickets." He realized that they presented a novel
-clinical picture but failed to recognize that they represented a
-disorder quite distinct from rickets.[3] This article was followed
-within the next few years by reports of other German writers (Bohn,
-Steiner, Foerster) who, accepting Moeller's point of view, considered
-these cases merely as an acute form of rickets. They were led to this
-erroneous conclusion chiefly on account of the lack of marked
-involvement of the gums, which they considered an essential sign,
-influenced by their conception of adult scurvy. This viewpoint has
-pervaded the German literature even to the present day, when it is still
-considered necessary to bring further evidence that infantile scurvy in
-its pathogenesis and pathology is identical with adult scurvy.
-
-[3] Infantile scurvy is frequently termed "Die Moellersche Krankheit."
-There seems to be no occasion for giving Moeller credit for discovering
-this disease, as he believed that he was dealing with rickets merely in
-an acute form. He recognized the clinical similarity to scurvy, but in
-one of his cases sharply differentiates it from adult scurvy by the fact
-that "lemon juice and fresh vegetables" were of no avail in the
-treatment.
-
-In 1871 Ingerslev, an assistant of Hirschsprung in Copenhagen, wrote a
-paper on "A Case of Scurvy in a Child," which is quite convincing. Two
-years later Jalland, an English physician, reported a similar case of
-"Scurvy in a Ten-Months-Old Infant." In 1878 Cheadle reported three
-cases of infantile scurvy with typical tumefaction of the gums, and
-obscure tenderness of the legs, and followed this paper by two others,
-which appeared in 1879 and 1882. Cheadle clearly recognized the disease
-as scurvy. However, as the title of his first paper--"Three Cases of
-Scurvy Supervening on Rickets in Young Children"--indicates, he
-considered it a condition engrafted upon rickets. About this time (1881)
-Gee presented a brief but accurate account of five cases of scurvy which
-he termed "osteal or periosteal cachexia."
-
-In 1883, Barlow published his classical paper on this subject, the first
-to furnish anatomical proof that this disorder of infants presented the
-pathological changes characteristic of adult scurvy. Previous to this
-publication there had been but one autopsy report, that by Moeller,
-which had been incorrectly interpreted. The work of Barlow was accepted
-remarkably quickly in England and in America, but less promptly on the
-Continent. This was probably due to the fact that infantile scurvy was
-occurring far more frequently in these two countries, and that the
-subject was open therefore to more prompt investigation. This increased
-prevalence of infantile scurvy in the two great English-speaking nations
-has continued to the present time, and no doubt is due to the extensive
-employment of artificial feeding and of proprietary foods. In 1894 not
-less than 106 cases were reported to the Academy of Medicine of New York
-City by various physicians, and in 1898 the comprehensive investigation
-of the American Pediatric Society appeared, which was based on 379
-cases.
-
-It was soon evident that infantile scurvy occurred to a greater or less
-degree throughout the civilized world. In France, Monfalcon had reported
-a case in 1820 which is sometimes referred to as the earliest case of
-infantile scurvy mentioned in the literature. It relates, however, to an
-older child and was published as a case of scorbutic rickets. Netter
-was one of the first in France to recognize the true nature of the
-disorder, and published several papers in 1898 describing typical cases.
-Infantile scurvy was, however, almost unknown in that country until what
-is termed "lait maternisé" and "lait fixé" came into vogue. This is
-apparent from a table prepared by Lecornu, which gives a list of all
-cases in the French literature between 1894 and 1904, and of the diets
-on which they came about. The former of these milk preparations is
-subjected to various manipulations and then heated to a temperature
-above the boiling point; the latter is shaken violently in a machine to
-render the fat globules smaller, and is then sterilized by one of the
-usual methods.
-
-Switzerland has undergone an experience similar to that of France.
-Previous to 1903 only five cases of infantile scurvy had been published
-from that country. In this year Stoos published an additional five. In
-1907 Bernheim-Karrer reported nine cases, all of which had developed on
-homogenized milk, a process very similar to that employed by the French
-to break up the fat globules. The increase of infantile scurvy in
-Switzerland may be judged by the fact that a commission was formed in
-the following year to investigate its occurrence.
-
-In Germany there was for many years continued discussion as to the true
-nature of scurvy. Some believed it to be a form of rickets, others a
-form of scurvy; still others a combination of scurvy and rickets. Some
-thought it merely hereditary syphilis, and not many years ago Naegeli
-looked upon it as an entity distinct from scurvy on rickets. The subject
-attained additional importance through an epidemic of infantile scurvy,
-which broke out in Berlin in 1898, among infants who received milk from
-one of the largest dairies. The episode led to prolonged discussion in
-the Berlin Medical Society, and to several excellent papers, among
-which that by Neumann deserves particular mention.
-
-The disorder has been reported in Holland by DeBruin, who recorded
-numerous cases; in Denmark, by Hirschsprung, who refused to recognize
-its scorbutic nature; in Italy, by Concetti, and by others. It was not
-long before there were reports of cases from almost every part of the
-world, including Australia (Money) and East India (Nichols).
-
-In view of the fact that scurvy is endemic among adults in Russia, we
-should also expect to find infantile scurvy widespread in that country.
-In point of fact, quite the contrary seems to be the case. In connection
-with the great scurvy epidemic in Russia (1898-99), Tschudakoff
-personally examined over 10,000 persons and found 11.11 per cent. of the
-people sick with this disease. He states that in the course of this
-large experience he did not meet with a single case under the age of
-five years. Fuerst writes that Filatow, the great Russian children's
-specialist, declared that he knew of no case of Barlow's disease
-described in the Russian literature. This is not literally correct, as
-Doepp described an epidemic of scurvy in the St. Petersburg Foundling
-Asylum occurring in 1831. It serves to emphasize, however, the paucity
-of cases among infants in this great land of endemic adult scurvy.
-Lyabmow, in referring to the scurvy in Kazan, tells us that among 28,000
-cases only a few infants were affected, and Rauchfuss made the statement
-at the International Congress at Copenhagen, in 1884, that although he
-had seen a great many cases of scurvy, he had never seen it in children
-one to two years of age. We shall not, in this place, comment on this
-interesting and apparently paradoxical situation, but shall have
-occasion to refer to it in considering the pathogenesis. It may be added
-that in Norway and Sweden, where scurvy is to some extent also endemic
-among the adult population, there is a similar lack of scurvy among
-infants.
-
-=Scurvy in the World War.=--The greatest advance in medicine during the
-past generation has been in the fields of hygiene and preventive
-medicine. One might therefore have expected that the World War would
-have differed from previous wars in a notable absence of scurvy among
-the troops and the civilian population. This is true to a limited degree
-only. Reports which have been published in the course of the war, and
-especially since hostilities have ceased, show that the troops who were
-incapacitated by scurvy must have numbered many thousands. As was to be
-expected, scurvy occurred most often in Russia, where it is endemic. The
-largest number of cases was reported by Boerich, who as director of a
-Red Cross Central Station in Russia saw 1343 cases. Other German
-physicians who had charge of caring for the Russian prisoners give
-accounts of the occurrence of some hundreds of cases of scurvy. An
-article by Much and Baumbach gains added interest from the novel
-suggestion that scurvy is transmitted by means of vermin. That scurvy
-must have reached large proportions is shown by the fact that in July,
-1916, a medical commission was sent by the Germans to investigate the
-scurvy in a Russian army corps, and that it was necessary to establish
-for this disease in every division a sanatorium comprising 100 beds.
-Hoerschelman, who wrote an account of this investigation, blames the bad
-hygienic surroundings, the lack of sleep, the overexertion, as well as
-the deficiency of food, for the occurrence of the epidemic. As usual,
-very few cases occurred among officers. He describes a number of
-instances where scurvy was feigned by rubbing the gums and making them
-bleed, or by irritating them with the juice of tobacco. These reports on
-scurvy in Russia bring us little new from a purely medical standpoint.
-They emphasize the occurrence of night-blindness as an early and
-frequent symptom. It is difficult to judge whether this manifestation
-was due entirely to the scurvy, or was in part the result of other
-deficiencies in the diet. For instance, Hift states that the
-night-blindness was cured by cod liver oil, or by the water in which
-beef liver had been cooked. This would point rather to a deficiency of
-the fat-soluble vitamine, as these substances could have little effect
-in curing scurvy. The cases reported by Wassermann, where neuritic pains
-in the legs played a considerable rôle, evidently are also not simple
-scurvy, but may well be the result of more than one food deficiency or a
-complicating ostitis. In the same way some reports show clearly that
-"hunger edema" complicated scurvy.
-
-Scurvy occurred next in frequency among the nations neighboring Russia.
-Speyer tells us that a German sanitary commission was sent to Bulgaria
-largely with the object of investigating scurvy in that country. The
-excellent monograph on the pathology of scurvy just written by Aschoff
-and Koch was founded on an experience in Roumania among Turkish, German
-and Austrian soldiers. Added to its other woes the Servian army was
-visited by scurvy. Wiltshire gives us a description of this disease
-based on an observation of 3000 cases in the first half of the year
-1917. In regard to scurvy in this part of the world, Morawitz writes
-that when he reached Roumania he was surprised to find scurvy the most
-prevalent disease in the army, and that since the spring of 1917 it was
-widely disseminated among the German troops. Lobmeyer writes of scurvy
-among the Turkish troops, and Disqué reports 500 cases among prisoners
-captured in Turkestan.
-
-Along the Western front very few cases are described. There is an
-account by Korbsch of 51 cases in this area in 1915. Schreiber describes
-30 cases among the German prisoners of war captured in the beginning of
-1917, which were diagnosed as purpuric rheumatism. Arneth recounts that
-sporadic cases of scurvy occurred among the German troops, especially
-among the older soldiers, and that in many cases this was combined with
-the hunger edema. He attributes the scurvy to a dependence on dehydrated
-vegetables in the ration.
-
-From all these accounts it is evident that scurvy played an important
-rôle in the general nutrition of the troops on the Eastern front.
-Probably it was of the latent variety, which is exceedingly difficult to
-diagnose, but which increases the susceptibility to infection, and
-intensifies the severity of all medical or surgical diseases. Von
-Niedner takes this point of view, stating that although scurvy had been
-largely prevented in this war, the obscure rudimentary type had not been
-eradicated. He remarks upon a fact, noted in our Civil War and other
-wars, that under these conditions eruptions assume a hemorrhagic
-character in typhoid fever, cerebrospinal fever, rheumatism and other
-infections. Pick made a similar observation at a medical meeting in
-Vienna in reference to scurvy in the Austrian army, drawing attention to
-the hemorrhagic diathesis existing among the troops and expressing the
-opinion that scurvy was occurring in this war as in previous wars.
-
-Very little scurvy seems to have broken out among the British troops in
-Europe. Thirty-two cases were reported as occurring in the middle of
-1915 at a divisional rest station in France. It made marked inroads,
-however, on the health of the Colonial troops in Mesopotamia. In the
-report of the Mesopotamia Commission we read that 7500 men were lost to
-the force in 19 weeks as a result of scurvy, and that this happened in
-the summer of 1916 although additions had been made to the ration in the
-previous spring. A conception of the extent of the scurvy may be formed
-from the accompanying table, published by Willcox:
-
- Scurvy Beriberi
- (Indians) (British)
-
- 1916 (July 1--Dec. 31) 11,445 104
- 1917 2,199 84
- 1918 825 51
-
-It will be noted that thousands of cases occurred among the Indian
-troops. This was due to the fact that the British ate more potatoes and
-fresh meat. In his official report of the outbreak of scurvy among
-Indian troops, Colonel Hehir writes: "The only vegetable now allowed is
-2 ounces of potatoes and the only fresh meat 28 ounces a week. It is
-very doubtful whether this authorized ration, if not supplemented by
-other vegetables and more meat, is sufficient to prevent scurvy." In the
-account which this officer gives of the medical conditions during the
-siege of Kut-el-Amara, it is stated that there were 1050 admissions for
-scurvy, fully developed, incipient and latent. It is remarked that those
-Indians who ate horseflesh were decidedly less affected. From the fact
-that special hospitals for scurvy were established in June, 1916, at
-Bagdad, Amora and Basrah, it is evident that a large number of cases
-must have been encountered. Most significant in this connection,
-however, are the preventive measures which were instituted by the
-British government. A body of 256 men, designated as the Madras
-Gardener's Corps, were dispatched to Mesopotamia to plant gardens all
-over the country and to supply packets of seeds to various units. At
-Bagdad alone their output of vegetables was over 400,000 pounds. This
-certainly constitutes a remarkable innovation in the hygiene of armies.
-
-The French army was not entirely spared from scurvy. In 1917 Harvier, an
-army surgeon, was surprised to discover that 95 per cent. of the 800
-troops of which he had charge suffered from scurvy; he tells us that
-other epidemic centres were recognized later outside this sector.
-Elsewhere we read of the occurrence of scurvy in France, involving 40
-per cent. of the 1700 men of the South African Labor Corps, and that
-this disorder was still more serious in another company owing to the
-fact that it was not recognized (Dyke).[4] Benoit reported 63 cases
-which he discovered in 1917 among 300 laborers. According to his
-account, all these laborers received the same food, and those with
-scurvy recovered quite independently of any change in the dietary.
-
-[4] The writer adds that he believes that the health of the natives at
-home is protected by Kaffir beer, which they consume even to the amount
-of 3 gallons a day, and which is made from germinated Kaffir corn. This
-cereal is germinated by steeping it in water for forty-eight hours and
-is then dried in the sun. Only enough is prepared for one brew. The
-French prepared a similar fermented beverage for these South African
-laborers; the sole difference in its mode of preparation was that the
-corn had not been germinated.
-
-There are many accounts of scurvy among the Italian troops. Vannutelli
-gives a description of an epidemic of some 200 cases of infectious
-purpura with manifestations of hemorrhagic scurvy. Another writer
-informs us that in June, 1916, scurvy broke out among some Italian
-troops stationed at an altitude of 1500 to 2000 metres (Gingui).
-Vallardi gives an account of 180 cases among Italian troops in
-Macedonia, accompanied by slight jaundice and enlargement of the glands.
-
-The American soldiers seem to have been practically spared from scurvy.
-This was due probably to their ample ration and to the fact that
-they were in the field for a comparatively short period. The
-Surgeon-General's report to date, which has been kindly furnished me,
-showed but 5 cases in 1917 occurring in Europe and the United States,
-and but 15 cases reported during the year 1918.
-
-_The civilian population_ of the various warring countries was by no
-means spared. There are no reports from Russia to indicate the extent of
-scurvy, but from what is known of the food conditions prevailing there
-toward the end of the war, one can be certain that the number must have
-been large. The greatest amount of scurvy has been reported from
-Austria, more particularly from Vienna. Previous to the war scurvy was a
-rare disease in this city, both among adults and infants. During the
-war, however, as the result of a lack of fresh food and the dependence
-on dehydrated vegetables, a large number of cases developed. Tobler
-reports over 200 cases in children between the ages of two and fifteen
-years, which occurred in 1917 in child-caring institutions where the
-milk supply was markedly deficient, where fresh vegetables were lacking,
-and the supply of potatoes gave out about Christmas, 1916. A conception
-of the deficiency of the milk supply may be gained from the statement
-that there were but sixteen quarts a day for about 1500 people. Some of
-these children were undergoing fresh-air treatment and were out of doors
-in the "sun stations" day and night. For the cure of these children a
-simple decoction of fir-tops was used, a therapeutic procedure stated by
-Lind to have been of value in the Russo-Swedish War of 1708.
-
-That scurvy must have occurred extensively among the infants in Vienna
-may be gathered from the report of Erdheim, who records 31 autopsies on
-infants under the interesting title of the "Barlow Heart." In Berlin
-scurvy occurred also in the foundling asylums, as reported by Eric
-Mueller and by Brandt. This was caused by a diet of pasteurized milk and
-dehydrated vegetables. In an article bearing the suggestive title of "On
-a Marked Increase in Barlow's Disease in the Years of the War
-1917-1918," Epstein states that in Prague there had been an endemic
-increase of infantile scurvy since August, 1917. The only information
-regarding scurvy among the adult civilian population of Germany is that
-furnished by Morawitz, who states that this disorder occurred
-sporadically. Here again it is probable that there were many latent or
-rudimentary cases which were not recognized.
-
-In Great Britain there are reports which show that scurvy manifested
-itself in institutions caring for the poor. In Glasgow we learn of 50
-cases developing in the Poor Law Hospital in the course of fifteen
-months, and in Newcastle of 16 cases appearing in the Poor Law Infirmary
-in the course of three months.
-
-It is probable that when more detailed reports are available, it will be
-found that there was far more scurvy than was appreciated during the
-course of the war. It will be impossible, however, to gain even an
-approximate knowledge of the extent to which this disorder prevailed, as
-in many instances it was inextricably interwoven with other nutritional
-diseases. The situation which Enright describes in Cairo among the
-Turkish prisoners suffering from war edema, where there was "evidently a
-scorbutic factor involved," probably held true for many other parts of
-the world. War and scurvy must still be regarded as associated evils,
-for war is closely linked with famine and food deprivation--the dominant
-factor in the production of scurvy.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-PATHOGENESIS AND ETIOLOGY
-
-
-At the outset it may be stated that there is no longer any reason to
-doubt that adult scurvy and infantile scurvy are one and the same
-disease, having an identical pathogenesis. For many years, far longer
-than the facts warranted, there was discussion whether Barlow's disease
-was true scurvy or merely a form or a complication of rickets, or
-perhaps a distinct hemorrhagic disease. This question may be relegated
-to the past, so that we may proceed to consider the pathogenesis of
-scurvy in the infant and in the adult under a common heading.
-
-There is no need of studying all the theories which have been advanced
-to account for scurvy. They have been manifold and most of them have
-died a natural death. For many years the _potassium deficiency theory_,
-suggested by Garrod, gained wide acceptance. That scurvy should be
-attributed to a lack of this salt is readily comprehensible in view of
-the abundance of potassium in the antiscorbutic foodstuffs, the fruits
-and the vegetables. It was not long before it was evident that this was
-not the correct solution, as the salts of potassium served neither to
-prevent nor to cure scurvy. This theory was accordingly modified to
-include only organic potassium. Experiment, however, failed to support
-the validity of this hypothesis, and it was gradually abandoned.
-
-Another theory which had a short but popular career was the _citric acid
-theory_, which was maintained vigorously by Netter. This explanation
-seemed logical in view of the marked potency of the citrous fruits, and
-particularly when it was shown that human milk contains a greater
-percentage of the salts of citric acid than cow's milk, and that some of
-these salts are lost in the course of heating. This hypothesis withstood
-neither the practical test nor chemical investigation. It was found that
-the various salts of citric acid, either singly or in combination, are
-unable to cure scurvy. This treatment has been employed repeatedly on
-man and on animals with little or no success; we also have resorted to
-it in vain. It was shown, furthermore, that it rested on an insecure
-chemical basis, as boiled milk contains but 0.1 g. per litre less citric
-acid than raw milk--an amount which is negligible from a therapeutic
-point of view.
-
-Before considering what may be termed the prevailing theories, a few
-lines must be devoted to the _acidosis theory_ championed by Sir Almroth
-Wright. According to this writer scurvy is due primarily to an excess of
-acid compared with alkaline food.[5] A theory of this nature was open to
-verification, and soon collapsed when put to the test. It was found, in
-the first place, that an addition of alkali was unable to cure
-experimental scurvy. It may be added that we have found it of no value
-in infantile scurvy. Holst and Froelich pointed out that potatoes and
-peas, two excellent antiscorbutic vegetables, have an alkaline and not
-an acid ash; that adding hydrochloric acid to dandelion juice improves
-rather than diminishes its potency; that 1 g. of cabbage, which suffices
-to protect a guinea-pig from scurvy, does not contain sufficient alkali
-to neutralize an acid state; and, finally, that scurvy is not
-encountered in the well-established acidosis of diabetes.
-
-[5] The cases on which Wright based his theory were soldiers who
-developed scurvy during the siege of Ladysmith. It is probable that the
-men were suffering from starvation, purpura and dysentery. That they did
-not have scurvy is proved by the fact that they were cured by giving
-lactate and bicarbonate of soda.
-
-Let us turn to some of the current theories of the etiology of scurvy.
-For years many have held to the _toxic theory_, believing that poisons
-either were consumed in the food or formed in the intestine by means of
-bacterial action. At present this view is held by the minority. The
-situation in this respect may be compared to that of beriberi, about
-which there is also no consensus of opinion, a minority attributing it
-to the action of an unknown toxin.
-
-A consideration of the clinical course of scurvy sheds but little light
-on this aspect, and can be interpreted as well for as against the action
-of a toxin. The nervous system, which is well known to be particularly
-vulnerable to toxins, is but slightly affected--the cardiorespiratory
-phenomena (indicating an involvement of the pneumogastric nerves), the
-occasional changes in the optic disks, and the abnormality of the tendon
-reflexes constitute the aggregate. In a general way it may be stated
-that the symptoms resemble those brought about by poisons of various
-kinds--the cottonseed poisoning in swine, the toxic products of the
-wheat embryo, or even mercurial poisoning in man.[6] The nervous
-symptoms, especially the irritability of the heart, remind one of the
-enterogenous intoxication or enterotoxic polyneuritis described by Von
-Noorden. Such analogies are interesting and suggestive, but can be
-accorded little weight in deciding the question at issue.
-
-[6] In chronic mercurial poisoning the following suggestive symptoms
-occur: anemia, bleeding and spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, a
-quickened pulse, ulcers of the extremities. At times mercury attacks the
-nervous system, producing palsy. The resemblance is heightened by the
-fact that calcium metastases have been found in the muscle in
-experimental scurvy (Hart and Lessing) comparable to those
-characteristic of mercurial poisoning.
-
-If a toxin is to be regarded as the proximate cause of infantile scurvy,
-the question naturally arises as to the nature of the toxin. Is it
-exogenous or endogenous? There is sound basis for believing that the
-hypothetical poison is not introduced preformed in the food. In the
-first place, infantile scurvy frequently develops in babies who receive
-milk of the very best grade indeed, in contradistinction to rickets,
-this is not preëminently a disease of the poor. Furthermore, there is no
-relation between the concentration of the food mixture and its liability
-to induce scurvy. For example, if among a large number of infants
-receiving pasteurized milk from a common source, some are given the milk
-diluted by one-half, others given it diluted by one-third, and still
-others whole milk, the last group will show the least tendency to
-scurvy, which we should not expect were the poison contained in the
-food. Nor is it at all uncommon to encounter scurvy in an infant which
-has been fed with a very dilute milk mixture. Another side of this
-question should, however, be mentioned--stale pasteurized milk is more
-apt to produce scurvy than the freshly pasteurized, but here again the
-injury is in inverse ratio rather than in direct ratio to the amount
-consumed. There are reports of adult scurvy having been occasioned by
-decomposed food, such as Torup's investigation of Nansen's polar
-expedition, but the diet had not been faultless in other respects. The
-experiments of Jackson and Harley, who produced scurvy in monkeys by
-feeding tainted tinned meat, cannot be unreservedly accepted, as they
-are substantiated by no pathological examination of the bones, and the
-diarrhoea and the blood and mucus in the stools do not suggest simple
-scurvy.
-
-Of those who held to the toxic origin of scurvy the majority had in mind
-an endogenous toxin, although the conception of the nature of this
-poison varied greatly. The minority report of the American Pediatric
-Society states that "scurvy appears to be a chronic ptomaine poisoning
-due to the absorption of toxins." Neumann considered scurvy a chronic
-poisoning, formed probably from the albumin of the milk, and considered
-the fact that the infant refused to take the harmful food as weighty
-evidence of its toxic nature. Kohlbrugge included scurvy in his group of
-"fermentive diseases," due to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the
-intestine, which are normally restrained by the acid reaction of the
-chyme. McCollum and Pitz, on the basis of a study of experimental
-scurvy, suggested that as the result of a break in the metabolism it
-might be due to the retention of fæces and consequent absorption of
-toxins. Still more recently Gerstenberger suggested that as the result
-of the break in the metabolism of carbohydrates, a defunctioning
-substance, possibly oxalic acid, is produced, which has a strong
-affinity for calcium.
-
-It is of no avail to discuss these various hypotheses--the formation of
-intestinal toxins--except where they are based on observations which can
-be tested and controlled. This is true solely of _the relation of
-constipation to scurvy_, and we shall confine ourselves therefore to a
-consideration of this aspect of the question.
-
-There can be no question whether retention of fæces of itself can bring
-about scurvy; this is excluded by the marked instances of constipation
-frequently encountered among thriving babies. The majority of bottle-fed
-babies and a large number of the breast-fed suffer from a greater or
-less degree of constipation. On looking over our records of infantile
-scurvy from this point of view, and comparing them with non-scorbutic
-infants, we have not been able to note a characteristic distinction.
-Some of the infants had normal stools, others suffered from
-constipation, while the records of a great number showed occasional
-loose stools. Furthermore, in cases of latent or subacute infantile
-scurvy, it was of no moment whether a laxative was given or whether
-constipation was induced by means of opium. The report of the American
-Pediatric Society shows that the majority have had a similar experience;
-the bowels were regular in seventy-four instances, irregular in fifteen,
-constipated in one hundred and twenty-six, and diarrhoeal in
-seventy-seven. In this connection, it may be pointed out that the
-preparation termed "malt soup," the diet which in our experience has
-been most frequently associated with scurvy, is essentially laxative,
-and, on the other hand, that one of the most potent antiscorbutics is
-potato, which has no definite laxative property. It may be added, as
-noted elsewhere, that scurvy developed in infants in spite of their
-receiving cod liver oil or olive oil for long periods. It is evident,
-therefore, that the retention of fæces is not the essential factor in
-the etiology of scurvy. Its secondary rôle, especially after scurvy has
-developed, will be considered later in this chapter.
-
-In order to elucidate this question Torrey and Hess made a study of the
-relation of the intestinal flora to the scurvy of guinea-pigs and of
-infants. In guinea-pigs they found in the intestinal tract merely such
-bacteria as are encountered on the oats and hay fed these animals. The
-bacteria were few in number and hardly any were actively proteolytic.
-Furthermore, there was no change in the flora on adding antiscorbutic
-food, although the scorbutic symptoms disappeared. Recently Givens and
-Hoffman, as the result of a similar study, have come to the same
-conclusion. The investigation of infants led to similar results, and is
-illustrated in Table 1. It will be seen that the infants were all on a
-high carbohydrate diet, and that in two instances the flora was
-compared, not only during the active scorbutic process, but after orange
-juice had been given for a week or more. The bacteria were such as one
-should expect on a diet rich in carbohydrates; putrefactive organisms
-were present only in small numbers; and in the case in which they were
-most numerous (S), they had disappeared upon the subsequent examination,
-although the scurvy had become more marked. It is evident, therefore,
-that in the scurvy of infants as well as of guinea-pigs there is no
-overgrowth of putrefactive bacteria in the intestinal tract, and
-therefore no basis for the hypothesis of ptomaine or similar
-intoxication. Other poisons may, however, be absorbed from the intestine
-as the result of a prolonged deprivation of an essential vitamine.
-
- TABLE 1
- FECAL FLORA OF SCORBUTIC INFANTS
- =======================================================================
- | | | | M | |
- I | | | |S a | |
- n | | | |o t | |
- f | Diet. | Date. |Scorbutic |u o e | Types | Remarks.
- a | | |condition.|r f r | of |
- n | | | |c i |bacteria.|
- t | | | |e a | |
- | | | | l.| |
- --+-------------+-------+----------+------+---------+------------------
- M.|Malt soup and|Dec. 1|Subacute |Rectum|B. |{Normal infant's
- | cereal | | | | acidoph.|{ flora.
- | | | | |B. |{Gram + bac.
- | | | | | bifidus |{ predominant.
- | | | | |M. |{No spore-bearing
- | | | | | ovalis |{ or putrefactive
- | | | | | |{ types.
- | | | | |B. coli |{B. acidoph. about
- | | | | | |{ 40% viable bact.
- | Do. |Dec. 4| Do. | Do. | Do. | Do.
- |Same, also |Dec. 11|Sub- | Do. | Do. |{Relatively more
- | 20 c.c. | |periosteal| | |{ B. coli.
- | liquid | |hemorrhage| | |{Many B. bifidus
- | petrolatum, | | | | |{No putrefactive
- | one week | | | | |{ bact.
- |Same diet, |Dec. 21|Markedly | Do. | Do. | Normal infants'
- | oil stopped,| |improved | | | flora.
- | _orange | | | | | Bacteria as
- | juice_ | | | | | above.
- | 10 days | | | | |
- K.|Malt soup and|Dec. 11|Sub- |Rectum|Strepto- |{Gram - bacteria
- | cereal | |periosteal| | cocci |{ predominant.
- | | |hemorrhage| |B. coli |{B. coli gram +
- | | | | |M. ovalis|{ diploc. numerous
- | | | | | |{B. acidoph. few.
- | | | | | |{B. bifidus few.
- |Do. + |Dec. 21|Markedly | Do. |B. |{Gram + bact.
- | _orange | |improved | | bifidus |{ predominant.
- | juice_ | | | |B. coli |{Many B. bifidus.
- | (60 c.c.), | | | |Strepto- |{Streptoc.
- | 8 days | | | | cocci |{ unchanged.
- | | | | | |
- S.|Formula: |Dec. 21|Mild |Rectum|B. lact. |{Gram + and -
- | Cream, | |scurvy | | aerog. |{ bact. about
- | water, | | | |B. coli |{ equal. Many
- | flour, | | | |M. ovalis|{ lact. aerog.
- | sugar, | | | |B. |{Putrefactive
- | also cereal | | | | bifidus |{ bact. in
- | | | | |B. |{ minority.
- | | | | | welchii |
- |Malt soup and|Feb. 11|More | Do. |B. lact. |{Gram + bact. in
- | cereal | |marked | | aerog. |{ great majority
- | | | | |M. ovalis|{ (B. bifidus).
- | | | | |B. |{Spore bearers
- | | | | | bifidus |{ very few.
- | | | | |Dipher- |{Flora not at all
- | | | | | oids |{ putrefactive.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-There are those who believe that scurvy is of _bacterial origin_, some
-going so far as to regard it as a communicable disease. This viewpoint
-was maintained by the famous Boerhaave and supported with all the weight
-of his authority by Villemin in the seventeenth century. It is a view
-held by many, if not by the majority, of physicians in Russia to-day,
-and recently has been advanced by European army surgeons. This question
-illustrates in an interesting manner how the trend of the day influences
-medical thought--it has been suggested lately by Much and Baumbach that
-the scurvy microörganism may be carried by means of lice. But clinical
-experience points absolutely against the infectious nature of scurvy.
-Indeed, the only episode which lends any support to this opinion is its
-widespread and seemingly epidemic character; the fallacy of such
-deductions has been well illustrated in regard to beriberi, which for
-many years was regarded as an infectious and communicable disease. The
-fact that whenever scurvy occurs among a body of troops the officers are
-spared, constitutes convincing evidence against its communicability.
-This peculiarity of incidence was noted by Hoerschelman and others in
-the recent World War, and is referred to in the Report of the War of the
-Rebellion. Many of the earlier writers, in discussing the occurrence of
-ship scurvy, drew attention to the paucity of cases among the officers.
-
-When we turn to bacteriological studies we find that some years ago
-Ausset claimed to have isolated "a pasteurella type of organism" from a
-case of infantile scurvy, and suggested it as the causative agent of
-this disorder. On the other hand, Hart, Rehn, Hirschsprung, von Starck,
-Schmorl, and recently Boerich, have failed to find bacteria in the
-blood, although the total number of cultures must be admitted to have
-been small. Czerny and Keller report negative bacterial growth from
-fluid aspirated from affected joints.
-
-The only articles considering this important question from the
-experimental side are those of Jackson and Moody, and of Moore, who
-conclude tentatively that scurvy may be a bacterial infection. Jackson
-and Moody cultivated a diplococcus from the tissues of scorbutic animals
-after death, reproduced hemorrhages by inoculating cultures of these
-microörganisms into the circulation, and recovered the bacteria from the
-tissues some weeks later. Their results are open to the criticism that
-bacteria were found only after death, and that all blood cultures
-during life proved negative. An article by Moore, however, which has
-just appeared from this same laboratory, states that "an organism of the
-streptococcus viridans type was isolated from the blood" in a case of
-adult scurvy. In one instance we recovered an organism of this type from
-the blood of an infant suffering from scurvy. It is highly important
-that more blood cultures should be carried out in the course of human or
-animal scurvy, and that particular note should be made of the stage of
-the disorder when they are taken.
-
-There is no doubt that invasion of the blood-stream does occur readily
-in the course of scurvy, but this takes place generally after the
-disease has developed and must be regarded as a secondary phenomenon and
-therefore unessential from an etiologic standpoint. Indeed one of the
-striking and important symptoms of scurvy is the marked susceptibility
-to infection (furunculosis, nasal diphtheria, "grippe," etc.), which
-comes about as the result of the nutritional disturbance. An excellent
-example of this interrelationship is the "epidemic" of hemorrhagic
-scurvy described in the chapter on symptomatology. Hemorrhages coming
-about in this way should be regarded as focal complications rather than
-as truly scorbutic. It should be realized that, at the present time, it
-is not possible to distinguish between local symptoms which are truly
-nutritional or scorbutic in nature, and those which are bacterial and of
-secondary origin.
-
-The newest theory, and the one at present most widely accepted, is the
-_vitamine_ (_accessory factor_) _theory_. It was evident to Lind in the
-seventeenth century that scurvy could be prevented and cured by means of
-fruits or vegetables, a fact which became increasingly clear to
-succeeding generations. Until the latter part of the nineteenth
-century, however, this miraculous virtue of plants stimulated little
-inquiry and no research. As far back as 1841 Budd realized that "the
-explanation depended on the study of organic chemistry, and the
-experiments of physiologists," but until recently it was not perceived
-that the solution of the problem involved the introduction of a new
-chemical factor. This view suddenly took shape after Eijkman in 1897
-showed the nature of polyneuritis in fowl, and Hopkins in 1906, going a
-step farther, demonstrated the necessity of one or more unidentified
-food factors for the normal nutrition of the rat. The work which
-established this novel theory on a scientific basis in relation to
-scurvy was the classic investigation of Holst and Froelich, referred to
-so frequently in connection with experimental scurvy. These
-investigators showed that the mere drying of vegetables was sufficient
-to deprive them of their antiscorbutic power, although from a chemical
-standpoint they seemed unaltered; that high degrees of heat had
-generally the same effect; that under certain conditions these foods
-withstood prolonged heating, demonstrating that the antiscorbutic factor
-was not a ferment; that acids and alkalies played no essential rôle in
-the etiology; that fats, proteins and carbohydrates were not significant
-factors; that as little as 1.0 g. of cabbage suffices to afford
-protection to a guinea-pig. In other words, by a process of exclusion
-they showed that it is a disorder due to the lack of an unidentified
-food factor.
-
-Subsequent studies, carried out within the past few years, have served
-only to strengthen this viewpoint. For example, an "artificial orange
-juice" composed of the various salts, citric acid, and sucrose in the
-proportions in which they are found in the natural juice, failed,
-in the experience of Hess and Unger, to protect or to cure
-guinea-pigs--demonstrating that this preparation did not contain the
-essential factor. In the same way, Harden and Zilva were able to protect
-animals from scurvy with a preparation of lemon juice which had been
-almost entirely deprived of its salts. It is needless to multiply these
-examples. It is sufficient to state that there has been no investigation
-during the last years of intensive study of scurvy, which has tended to
-weaken the vitamine hypothesis. It may be stated, therefore, that
-experiments have demonstrated that scurvy is due essentially to the lack
-of a specific vitamine. It is unwise to proceed farther and place it in
-the group of so-called "deficiency diseases," including beriberi,
-pellagra, etc., unless the reservation is made that these several
-diseases may present marked differences. It is quite possible that one
-may be what might be termed a simple deficiency disease, whereas another
-may have important additional etiologic factors. At any rate, unless it
-is realized that there has been no proof that all are due to similar
-deficiencies, we may, by stamping them all alike and by grouping them
-together, be misled into taking their close relationship for granted. In
-regard to scurvy, there may well be other etiologic factors, but they
-are of a secondary character. Bacterial invasion has been referred to in
-this connection, and it is possible that toxins are absorbed from the
-intestine after nutrition has been disturbed. Diarrhoea and digestive
-disturbances may play a rôle. Whether the total intake of food or the
-correlation of its constituents--protein, carbohydrate, fat and
-salts--affects the action of the vitamine, is one which has not been
-well studied clinically or experimentally. In regard to beriberi, it is
-claimed that there is a direct ratio between the quantity of
-carbohydrate ingested and the amount of vitamine required. No such
-interrelationship exists in regard to scurvy. This was evident a few
-years ago (1917) when some infants receiving pasteurized milk, prepared
-with the addition of 3 per cent. flour, did not tend to develop scurvy
-more readily than others receiving simple pasteurized milk. A
-consideration of the antiscorbutic vitamine will be postponed for a
-subsequent chapter.
-
-=Etiology.=--In considering infantile scurvy we are concerned almost
-entirely with the artificially-fed baby. It is true that in the
-literature we meet with scattered reports of _scurvy in breast-fed
-babies_ and that these cases seem to constitute a noteworthy group; in
-point of fact, they are comparatively few. The collective investigation
-of the American Pediatric Society includes ten infants who had been
-given breast milk exclusively, and Concetti adds another ten in his
-compilation of 682 cases.[7] In spite of their paucity these cases
-require separate consideration because they represent an important
-aspect from an etiologic standpoint. How are we to explain the fact that
-human milk may lead to rather than protect against this disorder? On
-investigating more closely it is found that these cases differ in
-several important respects from the group which has been artificially
-fed. They are of a different age; instead of being in the second half
-year of life they are generally but a few months old. Furthermore, the
-signs are not the same. The hemorrhages involve the upper extremities
-fully as frequently as the lower extremities, and often appear at
-unusual sites--for example, on the scalp or as large subcutaneous
-effusions at various parts of the body. In many instances it has been
-noted that the nursing mothers were suffering from some debilitating
-disease such as tuberculosis or syphilis, or had an insufficient supply
-of milk, or that there had been some other unusual factor, as Freund has
-shown in an article devoted to this particular aspect. It is not
-necessary, however, to fall back on these attendant circumstances to
-exclude from consideration many of the cases. For example, Crandall's
-case of "scurvy in an infant of six weeks" should be invalidated, not
-because, as Freund suggests, the mother had rheumatism and insufficient
-milk, but because of the age of the infant, and the course of the
-disease; first one arm was involved, then the other, then hemorrhages
-appeared on the skin, and finally it was cured by giving a teaspoonful
-of fresh cream before each nursing. Had the baby really suffered from
-scurvy it could not have been cured by this means. Southgate's case must
-also be rejected, not because the mother was tuberculous but in view of
-the symptoms--the arms and legs were pseudoparetic, "the legs, feet and
-hands were double their normal size," and moderately large hemorrhages
-were present on the back and chest. It seems hardly necessary to discuss
-in detail the score of cases which comprise this group, as, in general,
-the same criticism applies to all. Some evidently were congenital
-syphilis, still more must be regarded as sepsis, and others as unknown
-toxic conditions. Apart from these cases the question must be considered
-whether scurvy can occur in a breast-fed infant. Personally, we have
-never met with a case of this kind, and, as Finkelstein aptly remarks,
-there has been "no necropsy of a breast-fed case or conclusive X-ray
-picture." It seems possible only if an infant, for a period of months,
-has obtained a scanty supply of milk, or when the milk has been
-exceedingly deficient in the antiscorbutic vitamine. Even under such
-conditions it does not seem possible for scurvy to become manifest in
-six weeks (Crandall's case), or in four weeks, as in a case reported by
-the American Pediatric Society, unless we believe that the infant
-suffered also from a certain degree of intrapartum or congenital scurvy.
-In view of the fact that an infant requires about one pint of milk to
-furnish it with an adequate daily quota of the antiscorbutic factor, it
-is theoretically possible, under extreme conditions, for it to become
-scorbutic, in spite of being nursed at the breast. Such an occurrence
-must be regarded as exceedingly rare, far more so than the current
-statistics illustrate, for considerably less than a pint of milk a day
-will prevent the appearance of manifest scurvy for a period of several
-months. Some of the reported cases may have been latent scurvy, rendered
-acute by a complicating bacterial infection.
-
-[7] These figures constitute an irrefutable argument against the
-statement frequently made that a monotonous diet leads to scurvy. It is
-only when the monotonous diet does not contain an adequate quantity of
-antiscorbutic vitamine that it is to be feared.
-
-It might be expected that by ascertaining _the occurrence of infantile
-scurvy in countries where it is endemic_, we could learn under what
-conditions and how frequently breast-fed babies develop this disorder.
-Approaching the question from this angle, it is found that the
-available data is meagre and not entirely convincing. Peculiarly enough
-infantile scurvy has rarely been reported from Russia, where scurvy is,
-in many sections, endemic. For example, although Tschudakoff, who
-personally examined over 10,000 persons, in connection with the great
-scurvy epidemic in Russia (1898-99) found 11.11 per cent. of the people
-suffering from this disease, he did not meet with a single case under
-the age of five years. Fuerst writes that Filatow, the celebrated
-Russian children's specialist, declared that he knew of no instance of
-Barlow's disease described in the Russian literature.[8] Shortly after
-the recent war scurvy broke out among the wet-nurses in an infant asylum
-in Vienna. A very few of the infants nursed by these women developed the
-disorder, far fewer than might have been expected (personal
-communication). Hopkins recently wrote a communication to the effect
-that in the island of Aruba, in the Dutch West Indies, they had been
-unable to grow any crops in 1912, 1913, 1914, that 3000 cases of scurvy
-had developed there during the year 1915, and that in 1917 it was again
-being noted. In answer to a personal inquiry regarding the occurrence of
-scurvy among the infants of Aruba, he wrote that "infantile scurvy is
-very rare," although "most all of the babies are breast-fed for about a
-year."[9]
-
-[8] This is not literally correct, as Doepp described an epidemic of
-scurvy in the St. Petersburg Foundling Asylum occurring in 1831.
-
-[9] During 1919 in Aruba there were 293 births and 30 deaths under one
-year, most of these deaths being due to intestinal diseases. The mothers
-subsist mainly on maize or guinea small corn, with some goat and sheep
-meat, and a little fresh fish, but no vegetables or fruit. The water is
-brackish.
-
-On the other hand, descriptions of the coincidence of scurvy in mother
-and nursling are even more fragmentary; in fact, we have been able to
-find but two reports of this kind. The one most frequently cited is that
-of Cheadle, which consists merely of the following bald statement: "With
-the exception of one or two doubtful cases, of which the details of
-breast-feeding and diet are imperfectly given, the only instances of
-scurvy arising in sucklings are those when the nursing mother has been
-suffering from scurvy at the time." The other report has been gleaned
-from a recent editorial in the _British Medical Journal_, which refers
-to the above mentioned outbreak of scurvy in Vienna, affecting in some
-cases both mothers and breast-fed infants.
-
-It is difficult to pass judgment on this question in view of the paucity
-of data. In the near future, probably, when we learn in detail about the
-epidemics of scurvy which occurred during and immediately following the
-war, we shall be in a better position to weigh its pros and cons. In
-view of the above data it does not seem that nursing infants readily
-develop scurvy, even though their mothers do not obtain a full quota of
-antiscorbutic vitamine in their food. This appears to be the clinical
-result, whatever its interpretation may be. It cannot be explained on
-the assumption that human milk contains a particularly large quota of
-this factor. In a test carried out to elucidate this question it was
-found that eight ounces a day of breast milk was insufficient to
-alleviate the symptoms in a case of scurvy, and that twelve ounces
-barely sufficed. This milk was from a woman who was on a liberal diet
-containing an adequate supply of vegetables. It had been previously
-demonstrated that sixteen ounces of cow's milk is sufficient to cure
-infantile scurvy, so that it is evident that human and cow's milk do not
-differ essentially in this respect. There are, however, other factors to
-be considered--for example, the incomparable freshness of the milk
-suckled from the breast, which may endow it with additional potency, or
-the possibility that the lack of vitamine may be compensated for by the
-large quantity of milk consumed. It also may not be entirely immaterial
-whether the vitamine is supplied in one dose, as, for example a daily
-feeding of orange or tomato juice, or whether this factor is furnished
-to the infant in frequent small quantities in the mother's milk
-throughout the day. In this connection we cannot help contrasting the
-relation of beriberi to breast feeding. As is well known, infants which
-develop beriberi are almost always nursed and not bottle-fed, and show
-signs of this disorder, although the mothers are in apparent health, and
-give no clinical evidence of disease.
-
-Turning to a consideration of _the artificially-fed infant_, there
-exists a somewhat similar situation in regard to the occurrence of
-scurvy on a diet of raw cow's milk. In almost all reports of this kind
-the quantitative viewpoint is entirely disregarded, and little or
-nothing is stated to indicate how much milk the infant consumed. And yet
-this factor is of essential importance in interpreting the cause of the
-nutritional failure. It is clear, for example, that if a baby receives
-but eight ounces daily of raw milk--one-half the requisite amount--it
-may well develop scurvy, notwithstanding the fact that the milk has not
-been heated. In addition to the quantity, there are other factors which
-play a greater or less rôle in the relation of raw milk to the etiology
-of scurvy. It is no doubt of consequence whether the fodder of the cows
-was rich or very poor in the antiscorbutic factor, and, accordingly,
-whether the baby received what may be termed an "antiscorbutic-rich" or
-an "antiscorbutic-poor" milk. Furthermore, the age of the milk must be
-borne in mind, for we have found that even raw milk loses some of its
-potency on becoming stale.[10]
-
-[10] Moore raises the interesting question as to whether a diseased
-condition of the cow may decrease the vitamines of the milk--whether a
-certain outbreak of scurvy among guinea-pigs might have been due to
-their having been fed on the milk of a cow suffering from experimental
-streptococcus mastitis. If such proves to be the case, it would have an
-important bearing on the question of scurvy and pseudo-scorbutic
-conditions in nursing infants.
-
-One of the mooted questions relative to the etiology of scurvy is the
-rôle of heated milk, and more particularly of _pasteurized milk_. In
-view of the vogue which pasteurization has acquired in the large
-municipalities, especially in the United States, this aspect has assumed
-increasing importance, and deserves detailed investigation.
-Pasteurization has achieved so much in limiting the infectious diseases,
-especially the diarrhoeal disorders of infancy, that it has come to be
-looked upon as heresy to deprecate its virtues in any regard.
-
-It has become increasingly evident that in the course of pasteurization
-milk loses an important measure of antiscorbutic vitamine. The term
-pasteurization, when employed in this connection, is not meant to be
-synonymous merely with the heating of milk to 140° to 165° F., but
-embraces the entire commercial process--the heating, handling,
-subsequent cooling, aging and all other factors involved. There can be
-no doubt that milk which has undergone this elaborate treatment has
-suffered in its antiscorbutic property. In 1914 Hess and Fish reported
-mild cases of scurvy occurring among infants who had received milk
-heated to a temperature of 165° F. for thirty minutes. This degree of
-heat is claimed by many physicians and hygienists, including the
-National Commission on Milk Standards, not to destroy its chemical
-constituents. Nevertheless typical cases of scurvy supervened after this
-diet had been followed for a period of six to nine months. Subsequent
-experience, published by Hess in 1917, with milk heated to only 145° F.,
-served to confirm the previous observations. That these cases were true
-scurvy was proved by the fact that a cure resulted when raw milk was
-substituted. A similar experience in Berlin reported by Neumann and
-others was convincing, but was not heeded in this country. In 1901 one
-of the largest dairies in that city established a pasteurizing plant
-where all milk was raised to a temperature of about 60° C. After an
-interval of some months infantile scurvy began to be reported from
-various sources throughout the city. Neumann depicts the situation as
-follows: "Whereas, Heubner, Cassel and myself had seen only thirty-two
-cases of scurvy from 1896 to 1900, the number of cases suddenly rose
-from the year 1901, so that the same observers--not to mention a great
-many others--treated eighty-three cases in 1901 and 1902." At a spirited
-meeting held by the Berlin Medical Society in 1903 to discuss this
-subject, Heubner was able to report 65 cases. An investigation was made,
-and the pasteurization discontinued. The result was almost immediate,
-the cases decreasing just as suddenly as they had increased. These
-reports and others demonstrate that unless additional antiscorbutic food
-is given, a diet of pasteurized milk will lead to the development of
-scurvy. As the antiscorbutic vitamine is not entirely destroyed by
-pasteurization, the severity of the disorder will be in inverse ratio to
-the amount of milk which is consumed.
-
-It has been our experience that milk pasteurized in the home or
-institution did not lead to scurvy to the same extent as that which was
-commercially pasteurized. Babies fed on home-pasteurized milk did not
-develop manifest scurvy. The difference in the two processes consists
-mainly in the amount of handling during the process of heating and the
-subsequent aging which the milk undergoes. An interval of forty-eight
-hours usually elapses between commercial pasteurization and the delivery
-of the milk to the consumer. In New York city most of the better-grade
-milk is pasteurized at the farm, so that it is subjected to a longer
-period of aging than the poorer grade, which is not pasteurized until it
-reaches the city. Although our results indicated the effect of freshness
-or staleness on milk which had been heated, they showed also that other
-factors must be involved, for home-pasteurized milk which is forty-eight
-hours old is superior to the commercial product of the same age. This
-difference we believe is due to the handling which the milk undergoes,
-to the mechanical processes involved in commercial pasteurization.
-
-In considering this aspect of the development of infantile scurvy on a
-diet of heated milk, it is of interest to refer to the experience of
-Switzerland and of France. In 1907 Bernheim-Karrer reported nine cases
-of scurvy which occurred on "homogenized" milk. This milk is forced
-between rapidly-rotating surfaces at a temperature of 55° to 65° C. at a
-pressure of 150 atmospheres. This process had been introduced the year
-previous by a large dairy which was well known for its excellent grade
-of milk. Before this innovation, milk usually had been boiled for a long
-while before being fed to infants. In France a similar epidemic of
-scurvy followed the introduction of the use of homogenized milk (lait
-fixé). Lecornu gives an interesting account of this episode, remarking
-on the large number of cases of scurvy occurring on this milk compared
-with sterilized milk, which was employed so much more extensively. These
-experiences furnish excellent examples of _the harmful effect of
-industrial methods on milk_, especially on its antiscorbutic vitamine.
-Lecornu also emphasized the scorbutic influence of "lait maternisé,"
-which is similar to the German Gaertner milk, and is subjected to
-dilution, centrifugation, and sterilization.[11] He states that before
-this preparation was introduced scurvy was practically unknown in
-France. Lecornu attributes the deleterious effect of the "lait
-maternisé" and the "lait fixé" to bacterial contamination, as does
-Bernheim-Karrer. We believe, rather, that its loss of potency is due to
-the mechanical processes to which it has been subjected.
-
-[11] In the case of the "lait maternisé," which is a milk of high fat
-content, the dilution of the preparation also must have been a factor.
-Ounce for ounce, cream is poorer in antiscorbutic vitamine than an equal
-quantity of milk. It is also possible that the mere dilution of
-milk--quite apart from the absolute amount consumed--is not immaterial
-in affecting this highly sensitive vitamine.
-
-Boiled and, more particularly, sterilized milk, is regarded as a common
-cause of infantile scurvy and figures prominently among the foods held
-accountable for this disorder. It has been pointed out, however, that
-thousands of infants, especially in Europe, receive milk of this kind,
-and do not develop scurvy. Statistics such as those of Variot, who has
-distributed in his out-patient department, during a period of twelve
-years, 400,000 quarts of sterilized milk (heated in half-litre bottles
-and hermetically sealed at the farm) without observing a case of scurvy,
-must be accorded weight in this connection.[12] Escherich, some years
-previously, stated that he did not meet with scurvy in Graz, although he
-was accustomed to feed babies on sterilized milk. Budin, the celebrated
-French children's specialist, writes: "As for the so-called infantile
-scurvy which is alleged to follow the use of sterilized milk, I have
-heard a very great deal about it during the last few years, but I am
-still looking for my first case." Evidence from such sources cannot be
-summarily cast aside, but must be given due consideration. It is evident
-that the mere heating or sterilization of milk, although it reduces the
-antiscorbutic vitamine, does not do so to a degree sufficient to lead to
-the production of clinical scurvy. Our experience accords with that of
-the above observers. Some years ago we fed infants with milk which had
-been boiled for five minutes, and, at another time, made use of
-home-made evaporated milk which had been heated for a period of
-seventeen hours, until it had been reduced to one-eighth its volume.
-This evaporated milk was well borne for months, although slightly
-caramelized in the course of heating, and did not lead to any signs of
-scurvy. Clearly there are other factors involved in this question
-besides the mere subjection to heat. We believe that every step in the
-process is important--the freshness of the milk, whether or not it is
-agitated and exposed to the air, whether it is sealed carefully and used
-soon after sterilization,[13] and, finally, whether the baby receives a
-sufficient quantity. If this milk, which has certainly lost some of its
-vitamine content, is given in small amount, it will not supply an
-adequate amount of the antiscorbutic factor.
-
-[12] It is to be noted, however, that Variot remarks that these infants
-frequently develop anemia unless additional diet is given, so that it
-must be considered open to question whether some of these babies did not
-have latent scurvy. Of course, unless it is certain that these infants
-were receiving only sterilized milk, and absolutely no other food, for a
-period of at least six months, they cannot be considered apposite to the
-question.
-
-[13] Carel reports an interesting case which points to the importance of
-staleness. A baby was taken to the country with a supply of sterilized
-milk sufficient to last for some weeks. At the end of this time it did
-not thrive, but regained its health when a fresh supply of milk was
-used. When this second supply became stale the infant again developed
-the same signs, and the condition was diagnosed as scurvy.
-
-Neumann, Czerny, and others state that they have even cured infantile
-scurvy by giving boiled milk obtained from a different source. In the
-Berlin epidemic, Neumann laid particular emphasis on the fact that the
-milk which induced scurvy had been doubly heated, having been
-pasteurized commercially and later boiled in the home before it was fed
-to the baby. Plantenga has also laid stress on the influence of
-_two-fold heating_, citing an interesting experience with scurvy in his
-clinic. When the milk was pasteurized one day and boiled for five
-minutes on the subsequent morning, 23 cases of infantile scurvy
-developed among the 200 infants attending his dispensary. The following
-year when the procedure was altered so that the milk was merely
-pasteurized, no case of this disorder developed. There can be no doubt
-that milk which has been heated twice must have lost more of its
-antiscorbutic properties than milk which has been heated but once, and
-that aging also must contribute to this loss. Whether there is what may
-be termed a peculiar sensitization of milk following pasteurization, has
-not been definitely shown.
-
-Up to the present time _dried milk_ has played an insignificant rôle in
-the etiology of infantile scurvy. One of the factors which has hindered
-the general acceptance of dried milk by physicians and laymen has been
-the fear that its use might lead to the development of Barlow's disease.
-It is therefore important to consider this aspect of the subject,
-especially as dried milk seems destined to be used to an increasing
-extent. A recent report to the Local Government Board by Coutts states
-that "Millard and Naisch in England confirmed the testimony of Miele in
-Belgium, and Gautier and Genevoix in France, that scurvy is not to be
-feared" from this foodstuff. This coincides with our experience, namely,
-that _dried milk not only does not lead to scurvy, but may contain
-sufficient antiscorbutic vitamine to cure this disorder_. Recently a
-scorbutic baby was fed with milk which had been dried by the so-called
-Just-Hatmaker process--whereby it is subjected on a drum for a few
-seconds to about 230° F.--with the result that the hemorrhages of the
-gums began to be absorbed in about three days, and all symptoms to
-disappear shortly thereafter. This infant received dried milk to the
-equivalent of 24 ounces of fresh milk, and this preparation had been
-dried and canned somewhat over three months before it was used. Recently
-two infants, suffering from marked scurvy, were treated with milk which
-had been dried six months previously. The one received only sixteen
-ounces a day and the other a quart; both recovered within a few days
-after this food had been substituted for malt soup. Not long ago, as
-reported elsewhere in a paper by Unger and myself, after curing a baby
-of scurvy by means of this milk, it was maintained in health for a
-subsequent period of three months on a diet which contained no
-additional source of antiscorbutic vitamine. These results are
-emphasized as illustrating the peculiar relationship of drying and of
-the application of heat to the antiscorbutic vitamine, and because
-recently several reports have appeared, for example, that of Barnes and
-Hume in England, and of Hart, Steenbock and Smith in this country, to
-the effect that dried milk is devoid of antiscorbutic value. The
-difference of opinion is due to the assumption that dried milk is a
-uniform product and has identical antiscorbutic properties. For milk to
-retain its antiscorbutic value, notwithstanding drying, it must have
-been rich in vitamine before desiccation, it must have been dried
-quickly, and packed within the shortest possible interval in air-tight,
-preferably hermetically sealed, containers. As in relation to the
-heating of milk, so in regard to its drying, it is not the degree of
-heat to which it is subjected which is all important, but rather the
-associated conditions. The merits of each process will have to be tested
-individually and perhaps even each particular brand of milk.[14]
-
-[14] In making tests of dried milk particular attention should be paid
-to the age of the milk before it is desiccated. Investigators should
-also be certain that the milk has not undergone heating previous to the
-drying process. Some well-known brands of dry milk have been not only
-pasteurized, but subsequently evaporated before drying.
-
-In the foregoing, the dictum has been accepted without comment that
-fresh milk may be either rich or poor in antiscorbutic vitamine. This
-point of view has recently gained general acceptance, on the assumption
-that the milk of the stall-fed cow is markedly deficient in this factor.
-Recent work by Hart, Steenbock and Ellis gives evidence that "summer
-pasture milk is much richer in this nutritive factor than dry feed milk
-or winter produced milk, involving the use in the ration of corn silage
-or sugar mangels." In some experiments (unpublished) we have found that
-dried milk shows similar variations, being a much more potent
-antiscorbutic when obtained from cows fed on fresh fodder than a similar
-milk from the same cows on fodder containing a minimum amount of
-antiscorbutic vitamine. The supposition of a direct quantitative ratio
-between the antiscorbutic intake in the food and output in the milk
-needs confirmation, especially as it does not quite coincide with the
-experience among human beings in countries where adult scurvy is
-endemic. In such countries--for example, Russia--nursing infants do not
-develop scurvy to the extent that would be expected, and it is possible
-that this exemption is due in part to a selective secretion of
-antiscorbutic vitamine into the milk.
-
-As is well known, a diet of _condensed milk_ leads to scurvy. This is
-not surprising, considering the prolonged heating to which this milk has
-been subjected. It is probable that many cases of mild scurvy developing
-on this food and characterized by beading of the ribs (rosary) and other
-indefinite manifestations, have been erroneously diagnosed as rickets.
-
-It is hardly necessary to discuss separately the various kinds of milk
-which have led to scurvy in the course of infant feeding.[15] The
-principles laid down in the preceding discussion hold good for milk of
-all kinds. Heat will destroy a certain amount of vitamine, and, if the
-heating is followed by aging, still more will be lost. If an interval
-elapses and a second heating ensues, there will be further loss of
-vitamine. It should never be forgotten in considering foods in their
-relation to the causation of scurvy, that _the amount of food_ given
-must not be overlooked. For example, a pint of ordinary pasteurized milk
-will lead to scurvy, whereas a quart in most cases will be sufficient to
-tide the baby over until the period of mixed feeding. No general rule
-can be laid down, however, as may be judged from the fact that dried
-milk which has been subjected to almost all the influences which are
-deleterious to the antiscorbutic vitamine--heating, drying, aging, all
-carried out in a neutral medium--nevertheless retains its specific
-potency.
-
-[15] Ausset reports a definite case of scurvy developing in a baby nine
-months old, which had received buttermilk almost since birth. At the
-time of admission to the hospital it was getting 900 c.c. a day. This
-case is interesting on account of the acid nature of the food.
-
-Infantile scurvy has always been far more prevalent in England and in
-America than in Europe, notwithstanding the fact that on the continent
-practically all milk for babies is boiled or sterilized. This has been
-ascribed, and probably rightly so, to the widespread usage of
-_proprietary foods_ in the English-speaking countries. Among the cases
-reported by the American Pediatric Society about 60 per cent. had been
-given foods of this description. How is this relationship to be
-explained? These preparations in general may be stated to consist of
-cereals, sugar, with occasionally a small amount of dried milk; they are
-mixed with varying proportions of water and milk and then cooked. It is
-evident that two important causative factors of scurvy are thus
-furnished, namely, a small and inadequate quota of milk and the
-application of heat. In most instances not more than sixteen to twenty
-ounces of milk are used to make up the day's feeding, and frequently
-this has been previously pasteurized. But there is an additional factor
-which comes into play in this connection, one to which we have recently
-drawn attention in treating of "The Deleterious Effect of the
-Alkalization of Infants' Food." It has been shown that the antiscorbutic
-vitamine is peculiarly sensitive to the faintest alkaline reaction, in
-which medium it rapidly undergoes deterioration, and even total
-destruction if heat is applied. Proprietary foods, with but few
-exceptions, are alkaline, having been rendered so by the addition of
-potassium carbonate or bicarbonate, in order to prevent acid
-fermentation of the fat and to counterbalance the relative poverty of
-potassium in cow's milk. Little or no regard has been paid to this
-reaction; the textbooks on children's diseases give this point no
-consideration whatsoever, expressing the salt content merely in terms of
-total ash. By this means ideal conditions are furnished for the
-destruction of a large part of the vitamine, and if this factor is not
-present in excess, scurvy will readily develop. It is to these various
-circumstances--the deficiency of milk, the alkalinity and the
-heating--that the scorbutic quality of proprietary foods is to be
-ascribed.
-
-The most flagrant example of an infant's food leading to scurvy is "malt
-soup"--an alkaline preparation of malt, which is prepared with flour and
-a small amount of milk.[16] This food brings about scurvy almost
-invariably unless an antiscorbutic is added to the dietary. That this
-effect is due to the alkaline potassium carbonate was shown by a recent
-test which is illustrated in chart. (Fig. 2). Here we see that in a case
-of scurvy, when the food was altered and prepared with the same amount
-of milk and alkali, the disorder did not abate (although the
-carbohydrate had been discontinued), but when the potassium carbonate
-was omitted a gain in weight ensued, and, we may add, the symptoms
-disappeared.
-
-[16] Malt soup is prepared by dissolving the alkaline malt soup extract
-in water, and mixing wheat flour with milk. These two mixtures are then
-boiled together for about three minutes. According to some directions,
-11 ounces of milk are used; in our formula 16 ounces were employed.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 2.--Human scurvy: weight curve of a baby that
-developed scurvy on a diet of malt soup (period 1). During period 2 the
-flour and malt soup were omitted from the diet, the same amount of milk
-and potassium carbonate being continued. The disorder did not abate. The
-only change in period 3 was a discontinuation of the potassium
-carbonate. This brought about a gain in weight and cure, showing the
-destructive effect of the alkali on the vitamine.]
-
-A test of this kind once more raises the question whether carbohydrates
-lead to the development of scurvy. As previously stated, there are many
-who believe that the carbohydrates, especially starch, have this harmful
-effect by requiring a large amount of the various vitamines for their
-metabolism. This relationship was first brought forward by Bradden and
-Cooper in regard to beriberi. It is a suggestion which cannot be
-disregarded in view of the great amount of scurvy which comes about on
-diets rich in carbohydrates, especially those containing malt sugar. We
-do not believe, however, that the harmful effect which this foodstuff
-exerts can be explained on the above hypothesis, as experience has shown
-that infants may receive for many months equally large amounts of
-carbohydrates--cane sugar, flour, or a combination of both--and
-nevertheless not manifest a similar tendency to develop scurvy.
-
-=Age Incidence.=--Scurvy may occur at any age if the diet does not
-furnish sufficient antiscorbutic factors. As a matter of fact, it is
-encountered most often among infants and adults, not because these two
-age-groups are particularly susceptible, but because there are peculiar
-attendant circumstances. In the case of the infant, it is due to the
-fact that for almost the entire first year of its life it is dependent
-entirely upon milk, a foodstuff poor in antiscorbutic vitamine, and
-containing, under favorable conditions, barely enough to meet its
-requirement. If, therefore, the potency of the milk is weakened, or if
-an insufficient quantity is fed, and more particularly when both of
-these factors are involved, a scorbutic condition will ensue. The reason
-why older children, those over one and a half or two years of age, do
-not develop scurvy is largely due to their varied and liberal diet,
-which is amply provided by the mother or guardian, so that even in times
-of want they receive more than their due share of the available food
-supply.[17]
-
-[17] It would seem, however, that the growing infant requires relatively
-more antiscorbutic vitamine than does the adult. We know that its
-caloric requirement is fully a quarter to a third greater. In regard to
-vitamine, judgment cannot be based on experimental evidence, but on
-comparative figures. For example, unless we take this viewpoint, we must
-believe that, as an infant of six months weighing 15 pounds requires 15
-c.c. of orange juice daily to furnish its antiscorbutic quota, an adult
-weighing 160 pounds requires 180 c.c. daily--the juice of three
-good-sized oranges. On this basis the adult would require six quarts
-(6000 c.c.) of fresh milk daily, twelve times the minimum requirement
-for an infant, which is one pint (500 c.c.) a day. These figures are
-manifestly too high.
-
-From a clinical standpoint scurvy may be said to occur in infants during
-the second half year of their lives. There is general agreement on this
-point; it is borne out by the investigation of the American Pediatric
-Society and by the statistics of various individuals. On the basis of a
-large experience, Still states that nearly eighty per cent. of the cases
-appear between the ages of six and ten months, and that in no case did
-the disorder occur before the age of five months. It is of importance
-from both the etiologic and the therapeutic standpoint to distinguish
-clearly between the age when infantile scurvy is commonly diagnosed, and
-the earlier stage when it appears as a general nutritional disorder. We
-must remember that scurvy generally takes from six to nine months to
-become manifest, this developmental period varying mainly in proportion
-to the degree of the dietary deficiency. It is evident, therefore, that
-there must be a prolonged period of nutritional failure which precedes
-the diagnosis. This stage consists of two early phases, the first months
-where the faulty diet causes no apparent change and seems to have no
-deleterious effect on the infant, and the second, of latent and subacute
-scurvy. The "latent" condition is one merely of unsatisfactory nutrition
-and retarded growth, which it is not possible to interpret; "subacute
-scurvy," which develops subsequently, is distinguished by characteristic
-signs and symptoms. We shall not review their symptomatology, as it is
-given in the chapter devoted to this topic. The subject is brought
-forward in this connection to emphasize the fact that the scorbutic
-condition occurs far earlier than is generally realized, and
-furthermore, that if the earlier and more subtle symptoms of scurvy were
-comprehended, the age incidence would fall earlier than the current
-figures indicate. The earliest instance of this disorder which we have
-seen occurred in a baby four and a half months of age.
-
-Age does not seem to play a definite rôle in regard to the incidence
-among adults. Scurvy frequently has been encountered among old men, and
-is of common occurrence among the most vigorous of the nation, the young
-soldiers and sailors. Some have stated that it takes place less often
-among soldiers in the twenties than among those in the thirties, but
-this has not been demonstrated. The fewest cases have been reported
-among children over two years of age. It was due to the apparent
-immunity of this age-group that, until very recently, German writers
-doubted the identity of infantile and adult scurvy. The exclusion of
-children of this age is merely fortuitous and, moreover, is by no means
-absolute. One of the earliest cases of scurvy in children, reported by
-Montfalcon, occurred in a child six years old. Bateman in America
-described a case in a child of about this age. Barlow, in one of his
-first articles, reported scurvy in a small group of older children. The
-case so frequently quoted by German authors in this connection is that
-of Fraenkel, who described both clinically and pathologically a case of
-scurvy in a boy eight years of age. These cases by no means exhaust the
-number which are reported. Recently, Tobler has given us an account of
-scurvy, occurring during the war, in a Viennese foundling asylum which
-harbored children between the ages of two and fourteen.
-
-=Season and Climate.=--Many of the older writers laid great stress on
-the influence of season on the occurrence of scurvy, which they believed
-broke out particularly in the cold and damp months of the fall, winter
-and early spring. It is true that most of the epidemics have occurred at
-these seasons of the year. This is merely what should be expected,
-considering that the disease depends mainly upon the supply of fresh
-fruits and vegetables. Where conditions are abnormal, as in war, there
-have been notable exceptions to this seasonal incidence. In the "Report
-of the War of the Rebellion" there is an instructive graph illustrating
-the occurrence of scurvy in our Civil War and in the Crimean War, which
-shows that this disease prevailed to the greatest extent during the
-winter months in the former, whereas in Crimea, the season of greatest
-frequency was the summer time. One of the severest outbreaks of scurvy
-on record is that which occurred at the siege of Thorn in Germany in the
-year 1703. During the months of July and August, when the weather was
-excessively hot, scurvy ravaged the besieged army. There are,
-furthermore, many reports of scurvy in the tropics during the dry
-season. In the island of Aruba, in the Dutch West Indies, which has been
-visited by scurvy year after year, and which is referred to elsewhere,
-the disease is endemic during the dry, hot season. Formerly it broke out
-on the men-of-war and vessels of the mercantile marine while they were
-in southern waters. As regards infantile scurvy, it has always seemed to
-us that season played a slight rôle; that cases which occurred in the
-summer tended to be less severe and to be characterized by periods of
-intermission rarely observed in the winter time.
-
-The effect of _climate_ has been accorded a variable place in the
-etiology of scurvy. Lind believed that a damp, cold climate, such as
-that of the Low Countries, was conducive to scurvy. On the other hand,
-since it is realized that diet is the essential element, all other
-factors have been regarded as of no moment whatsoever. It is difficult
-to pass judgment on this question, since scurvy is now endemic in such a
-limited area of the world. It seems quite possible that a damp, cold
-climate, which depresses the various functions of the body, may exert an
-influence where the quota of antiscorbutic foodstuff is not quite
-adequate. Exposure to infection is also greater under such climatic
-conditions.
-
-Economic status has to be considered in connection with infantile
-scurvy. Numerous writers have drawn attention to the fact that scurvy is
-seen relatively more frequently among the infants of the well-to-do and
-the rich than among those of the poor. This curious and paradoxical
-situation is due to the zealous care which the former receive--the
-extreme precautions in sterilizing the milk, the addition to the
-formulas of expensive proprietary foods, the watchfulness to avoid the
-child's obtaining a chance bit of fruit or vegetable. Since the
-popularization of commercially-pasteurized milk in the larger
-municipalities, and the advertising propaganda for the sale of "baby
-foods" which has extended their use among the masses, this distinction
-in the social status has been largely obliterated.
-
-Sex seems to play no part in the etiology of scurvy. Several writers
-have claimed, however, that there is a certain degree of racial
-immunity. For example, Sheppard reports that the Zhob Kakai seldom
-develops scurvy, although he naturally excludes vegetables from his
-diet, and Boerich noted among the prisoners of war that the Slavs,
-especially the White Russians, were more susceptible.[18] Of course a
-lack of susceptibility of this nature can be merely relative. Such a
-racial distinction may seem far-fetched, but if we admit that
-disposition and habits of life can play a rôle, it is quite possible for
-races to vary in their predisposition to this disorder. Moreover, we
-shall see that individuals differ markedly in this respect. Lind and
-others repeatedly emphasize the fact that the indolent and slothful
-sailor was stricken with scurvy far oftener than the one who was active,
-and claimed that physical exercise even tended to bring about a
-cure.[19] Those who have had a large experience with scurvy in adults
-are almost unanimous in believing that a _psychic element_ enters into
-its etiology. In this way, in a measure, they account for the frequency
-of scurvy among defeated troops, in besieged armies, and among men
-depressed by homesickness, fatigue, and discouragement. This point of
-view cannot be lightly disregarded, bearing in mind that depressed
-mental states alter the functions of the organs and markedly affect
-secretion. The many cases and epidemics in institutions for the insane
-cannot, however, be attributed to this cause, but are probably almost
-entirely due to a want of supervision of the dietary. Among infants, the
-question of the influence of race and of the mental state needs but
-little consideration.[20] For some time we have carefully observed the
-course of scurvy among happy and contented infants compared with those
-of an unhappy and fretful disposition; in some instances the former,
-although the diet was similar, seemed to develop scurvy less readily
-than the latter.
-
-[18] It would be of interest to know whether the negro infant is more
-susceptible than the white baby, in view of its markedly heightened
-susceptibility to rickets. There are, however, no reports or statistics
-to enlighten us on this point.
-
-[19] "Where the indisposition is but beginning, and even when the gums
-have been pretty much tainted, there have been numerous instances of a
-perfect _recovery without having the benefit of fresh vegetables_;
-provided the patient is able to use due exercise.... When it is advanced
-to what I have called the second stage it is hardly to be cured without
-their (fruits and vegetables) assistance." (Lind.)
-
-[20] Caillé has described a case of scurvy in an infant suffering from
-Mongolian idiocy, and we have also seen a similar case.
-
-There can be no doubt that there is _predisposition_ to scurvy, as there
-is, probably, to every nutritional disorder. Among soldiers and sailors
-a certain number develop scurvy on the same ration which does not harm
-others. Some years ago when scurvy developed among a group of infants
-fed on pasteurized milk, this idiosyncrasy was noted. The distinction,
-however, is rarely sharply defined. Careful clinical investigation will
-generally show that the infants which seem to be spared are not
-thriving quite normally; they are somewhat pale, and do not gain in
-weight as they should, and their appetite is poor. The most interesting
-experience of this kind is the following which is frequently cited: In a
-family where the first child developed scurvy, Finkelstein took the
-precaution, in the case of the second child, to have the milk boiled for
-as short a time as possible, and to begin mixed feeding early. In spite
-of these precautions this boy also developed scurvy. Finkelstein states
-that once before he had met with a similar mishap. An experience which
-he relates, regarding a foster-mother, an excellent nurse, who had three
-infants in succession develop scurvy in spite of preventive measures, is
-also of interest in this connection. The latter occurrence evidently
-cannot be attributed to hereditary or family predisposition, and serves
-to emphasize the inherent difficulties of the subject. v. Starck's
-report of an instance where twins were fed on similar milk mixtures and
-one developed scurvy, whereas the other thrived satisfactorily, is a
-striking illustration of the rôle of idiosyncrasy. This case, as well as
-many others, fails to be absolutely convincing in view of the fact that
-the daily intake of milk is not recorded.
-
-A predisposition to scurvy cannot be ascribed to a condition of general
-malnutrition. For example, among infants it has never seemed that those
-suffering from marasmus or atrophy were particularly prone to develop
-scurvy. Whether syphilis, tuberculosis or malaria tends to precipitate
-the onset of this disorder cannot be stated.[21] In view of the fact
-that prematurity is such an important factor in the pathogenesis of
-rickets, it would be of interest to know whether a similar relationship
-exists between infantile scurvy and prematurity. The only clinical
-condition which we have found predisposing to scurvy is the "exudative
-diathesis" of Czerny, a term which implies a tendency to develop
-exudations of the skin or of the mucous membranes. Probably it is not
-without significance that in this diathesis the blood-vessels may evince
-a decided weakness, an increased permeability, as demonstrated by the
-"capillary resistance test." (See Symptomatology.)
-
-[21] Many of the older authors believed that mercurial drugs were
-especially prejudicial in cases of scurvy.
-
-Nothing whatsoever is known regarding the possible influence of the fat,
-protein, carbohydrate and salt content of the diet on the development of
-scurvy. Is it entirely immaterial whether one or another food element
-largely predominates, or is the antiscorbutic factor to some extent
-modified by other components of the food? Influences of this kind, which
-at most are secondary, cannot be ascertained by the biologic test which
-at present has to be relied on to measure the development of scurvy and
-the potency of antiscorbutics. It is quite possible that the course of
-scurvy may be affected by the character of gastric and intestinal
-digestion, by the activity of the glands which pour their secretions
-into these organs, by the destruction or elimination of the
-antiscorbutic factor in the food. The frequent association of dysentery
-and scurvy noted during the recent war and referred to by many previous
-writers, shows the effect of intestinal disorders. These hypotheses are
-tentatively advanced because it is evident that some factor exists,
-apart from the mere antiscorbutic value of the diet, which at times
-exerts a potent influence on the development of scurvy. Cases developing
-in spite of a moderate amount of antiscorbutic food, and others not
-responding to the addition of vegetables or fruit to the diet--although
-not numerous--have occurred too frequently and have been reported by too
-experienced observers to be brusquely disregarded. For example, Neumann,
-one of the keenest clinical students of scurvy, stated that he had met
-with four instances of this nature. Hess and Fish reported two similar
-experiences.
-
-The secondary etiologic factors are mainly predisposing; a few words,
-however, must be added concerning what may be termed _exciting factors_.
-Infection is the most important condition which may suddenly and
-precipitously induce scurvy. This fact was brought to our attention in
-1912 in connection with the outbreak of scurvy among infants receiving
-pasteurized milk. Its explanation was not clear at the time, but was
-elucidated by subsequent experience, and was described in 1917 as
-follows: "Latent scurvy was prematurely changed to florid scurvy by the
-presence of a ward infection; an epidemic of 'grippe' precipitated an
-epidemic of scurvy exceptional in its hemorrhagic tendency." The
-association of scurvy and infection has been recently emphasized by
-McCarrison and others, and seems to hold good for the other so-called
-deficiency diseases. In this connection one other exciting cause of
-scurvy may be mentioned, namely, trauma. The older writers noticed that
-following a fall or an accident, a sailor frequently developed scurvy,
-and Barlow in 1894 remarked on the influence of trauma in connection
-with infantile scurvy. As might be inferred, its effect is mainly to
-induce premature rupture of the weakened blood-vessels; in infants we
-have seen this occasioned by pressure exerted on the lower end of the
-thigh to ascertain the presence of tenderness. Viewing the situation
-broadly, it must be acknowledged that except for the realization that
-scurvy is due to a new food factor--a vitamine--our fundamental
-understanding of its pathogenesis has advanced but little, in spite of
-the employment of experimental methods and the availability of modern
-technic.
-
-It is doubtful whether mere clinical studies will contribute in a large
-measure to the solution of the pathogenesis of scurvy. Much may,
-however, be learned by investigations of the metabolism in human
-scurvy--an aspect of the problem which, as will be brought out in a
-subsequent chapter, hardly has been explored. By this means may be
-acquired a clearer understanding of the effect of an antiscorbutic
-deficiency on the tissues and on cellular activity. Much may be expected
-from physiologic and pharmacologic studies of the specific vitamine,
-although it is not yet available in a pure state. Finally, it is
-probable that the solution of similar questions relating to the
-pathogenesis of cognate disorders--a study which is engaging the best
-efforts of so many workers throughout the world--will shed light on this
-particular disease.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-THE ANTISCORBUTIC VITAMINE[22]
-
-
-[22] Vitamine is used throughout this monograph as synonymous with
-"accessory food factor" or "food hormone" as a convenient descriptive
-term, without any intention of connoting a definite chemical substance.
-
-We shall not discuss the subject of vitamines in general, but confine
-ourselves to the more limited field of the antiscorbutic vitamine. The
-recognition of the "accessory" dietary factors is of such recent date,
-however, that it will be well to consider briefly how attention came to
-be directed to them and how their existence was ascertained. As in the
-case of so many scientific discoveries, it is difficult to point to the
-exact time when the advance was made. On looking back we find that
-Lunin, in 1881, noting that mice were unable to live on a diet
-consisting of protein, fats, carbohydrates, salts and water, came to the
-conclusion "that other substances indispensable to nutrition must be
-present in milk besides caseinogen, fat, lactose and salts." This work
-did not stimulate similar investigations, nor did Lunin, as might have
-been expected, allude to scurvy. The work which focussed attention on
-this novel aspect of dietetics was the report of Eijkman, in 1897, to
-the effect that when fowl are fed decorticated rice, they develop a
-disease resembling beriberi, and that the paralytic symptoms disappear
-on feeding them rice polishings or its alcoholic extract. Here, for the
-first time, was a positive rather than a negative experiment, and one
-capable of simple verification. The subject was placed on a scientific
-basis by the classic investigation of Hopkins, who experimented with
-purified food substances, and demonstrated how diets which were
-deficient could be rendered adequate. As early as 1906 he wrote "the
-animal body is adjusted to live either upon plant tissues or other
-animals, and these contain countless substances other than the proteins,
-carbohydrates and fats." "In diseases such as rickets, and particularly
-in scurvy, we have had for long years knowledge of a dietetic factor,
-but though we know how to benefit these conditions empirically, the
-real errors in the diet are to this day quite obscure." The work of
-Osborne and Mendel, and McCollum and Davis in this country, of
-Schaumann, Funk, Stepp and others, all led to the conclusion that
-purified diets are unable to satisfy the nutritive requirements of rats
-or mice, and that extracts of the natural foods suffice to render the
-diet adequate.
-
-The same rule holds for man, who, when deprived of these vitamines,
-develops the so-called deficiency diseases--typically modern disorders.
-Regarded as a group, they are a consequence of our altered mode of life
-and peculiar civilization. They follow naturally upon the development of
-immense cities housing millions of people, who necessarily must receive
-perishable foodstuffs produced at a great distance. To even a greater
-extent they are the product of countless ingenious methods devised
-mainly to render foods stable--drying, heating, the addition of
-preservatives--most of which accomplish their object, but incidentally
-rob the food of its essential vitamine.
-
-None of the vitamines has been isolated in a pure state. The nearest
-approach to this desired end has been the work of Funk, who obtained the
-water-soluble vitamine in a state of such concentration that about 3 mg.
-sufficed to cure a pigeon of polyneuritis. In considering the attributes
-of the antiscorbutic vitamine, it must be borne in mind that this factor
-is referred to as it exists in various foods; for example, in orange
-juice or in cabbage, and furthermore, that the method of ascertaining
-its presence or concentration is limited to the crude biological test of
-animal feeding.
-
-The antiscorbutic factor is distinguished by being the most sensitive of
-the three vitamines, the most unstable, the least resistant to physical
-or chemical processes. It may be regarded as one of the most delicate
-indicators of the biological integrity of foodstuffs; however, as Falk
-and his co-workers have shown, the enzyme property of living matter is
-still more readily destroyed. The antiscorbutic vitamine is soluble in
-water, and therefore is termed by some the "water-soluble C" factor. It
-is also soluble in alcohol, as shown by the experiments of Hess and
-Unger and of Harden and Zilva, and the therapeutic tests on infants of
-Freise and of Freudenberg.[23] It possesses, therefore, the solubility
-of the water-soluble vitamine. Some have suggested that it may be
-derived from this vitamine, others that instead of one there may be a
-series of antiscorbutic factors--suggestions based on pure hypothesis.
-Holst and Froelich showed that this vitamine passes, without appreciable
-loss, through dialyzing parchment, and Harden and Zilva (2) that it can
-pass through a porcelain filter. The latter, using the method of
-Seidell, demonstrated that this vitamine is not adsorbed by fine
-precipitates such as fuller's earth, differing in this respect from the
-water-soluble vitamine; and that in a mixture of equal volumes of
-autolyzed yeast and orange juice, the antiscorbutic vitamine remained
-unaffected, whereas the water-soluble A was entirely removed.
-
-[23] Freise cured a case of infantile scurvy by giving about 2 c.c. of
-an extract obtained from turnips by means of absolute alcohol. Seven
-weeks were necessary to cause a disappearance of symptoms. Freudenberg
-employed an extract of carrots, prepared with 96 per cent. alcohol, and
-effected a quicker cure.
-
-One of the most distinctive characteristics of the antiscorbutic factor
-is its _sensitiveness to even moderately high degrees of heat_. In this
-respect it differs markedly from the water-soluble or so-called
-"antineuritic vitamine" which withstands exposure to high temperature.
-The reaction of the antiscorbutic vitamine in this regard is not a
-simple one, and cannot be expressed by a mere statement of the degree of
-heat and the length of exposure. Numerous other factors, especially the
-reaction of the medium, but also the physical environment, must be taken
-into consideration--for example, cabbage is more resistant to the action
-of heat than its juice. An understanding of the relation of
-antiscorbutics to heat may perhaps best be obtained by considering the
-subject in connection with some definite foodstuffs. The most exhaustive
-study from a quantitative standpoint is that of Delf. She showed that
-when cabbage is subjected for an hour to a temperature of 80° to 100°
-C., 90 per cent. of its antiscorbutic vitamine is lost, and that 80 per
-cent. is lost when a temperature of 90° to 100° is maintained for twenty
-minutes, or a temperature of 60° for a period of sixty minutes. This
-experiment shows that the destructive influence of heat is enhanced to a
-comparatively slight degree by a rise of temperature, only about
-threefold when it is raised from 60° C. to the boiling point. This
-result points to a temperature coefficient of about 1.5 to 10° C. of
-temperature. It is suggested by Delf that this low coefficient of
-destruction is opposed to the enzyme or protein-like theory of the
-nature of the vitamine, and suggests a simpler constitution. On the
-other hand, we must bear in mind that the proteins which have been used
-in experiments and found to possess a high coefficient of heat, have
-been tested in the pure state, whereas the vitamine of the cabbage is
-bound up in the cell.
-
-Experiments with this vitamine as found in milk accord with the above
-investigation, demonstrating that intensity of heat is not as
-destructive as prolonged heating. This agrees with the clinical
-experience that milk which has been boiled for a few minutes does not
-induce scurvy as readily as pasteurized milk which has been heated for
-45 minutes to 140° or 165° F. (Hess and Fish).
-
-As demonstrated by tests with orange and with lemon juice, the
-antiscorbutic vitamine is greatly protected from the destructive effect
-of heat when it is associated with an acid. This was shown first by
-Holst and Froelich and has been confirmed by numerous observers. An
-excellent example of marked thermostability conferred on a food by its
-acid reaction is furnished by the tomato, which is strongly
-antiscorbutic even after it has been subjected to the canning process.
-Conversely, Harden and Zilva have shown that the vitamine is destroyed
-by alkali even when dilute (one-fiftieth normal sodium hydrate) and kept
-in contact at room temperature; this alteration does not take place at
-once, but in the course of several hours.
-
-It is true that the antiscorbutic factor is peculiarly sensitive to
-_drying_, but there are exceptions to this rule, so that it is incorrect
-to state, as does the British Report of the Medical Research Committee,
-that "it may be regarded as an axiom that dry or dried foodstuffs will
-not prevent scurvy." We have shown that fresh milk dried by the
-Just-Hatmaker process may retain by far the greater moiety of its
-virtue. In this regard rapidity of desiccation and subsequent protection
-from oxidative processes are important factors. The general rule holds
-true, however, that this vitamine, in contradistinction to the
-"water-soluble" vitamine, is readily damaged and destroyed by drying.
-
-This vitamine is peculiarly sensitive to _aging_, especially when it is
-present in an alkaline or neutral medium; but even in an acid medium its
-potency soon diminishes. Harden and Zilva found this to be the case with
-lemon juice stored for a fortnight in the cold room, and our experience
-has been similar in regard to orange juice kept in the refrigerator
-under a layer of liquid petrolatum. In milk the antiscorbutic factor
-diminishes with age, especially following pasteurization, in the course
-of which most of the acid-forming bacteria have been destroyed. Aging
-has the least effect when the food with which the vitamine is associated
-has been dried. This is true not only of lemon and of orange juice as
-demonstrated experimentally and clinically, but even of milk, which even
-after it has been dried and stored for months, may still possess marked
-curative value.[24]
-
-[24] Reference is made to a milk dried by the Just-Hatmaker process,
-containing about 3 per cent. of moisture. The clinical data on which
-this conclusion is based are given in the previous chapter.
-
-Experiments by Harden and Zilva showed that exposure of lemon juice to
-_ultra-violet rays_ for eight hours does not influence its antiscorbutic
-activity, that exposure of autolyzed yeast for the same length of time
-likewise does not impair its "antineuritic" potency, but that under
-identical conditions the fat-soluble factor in butter becomes
-inactivated. Similar tests carried out by the author with orange juice
-led to the same result. It thus appears that one of the vitamines--not
-the most unstable--manifests a peculiar sensitiveness to a certain form
-of physical or chemical action.
-
-In view of the fact that _shaking_ partly destroys pepsin and rennin, as
-shown by Shaklee and Meltzer, it would be of interest to ascertain
-whether this process brings about any impairment of the antiscorbutic
-vitamine. Particular interest is attached to this question because it is
-generally recognized that milk loses some of its potency in the course
-of handling--whatever may be comprised by this term. In experiments on
-the fat-soluble vitamine Steenbock and his co-workers found that
-"somewhere in the course of the manipulation to which the butter fat had
-been subjected, factors had been introduced which were responsible for a
-vitamine destruction."
-
-Before discussing the question of the manner in which the antiscorbutic
-vitamine functionates, it may be well to state briefly the type of the
-disturbance which its deficiency occasions. The chief manifestation is
-damage to the integrity of the endothelium of the vessels, resulting in
-hemorrhage--whether from diapedesis or from rhexis or both of these
-conditions, the microscope does not inform us. Nor can it be stated
-positively that the endothelium has not been injured by a secondary
-toxic or bacterial factor. However this may be, the end result of the
-deficiency is endothelial damage, a pathologic condition which may be
-demonstrated clinically in scurvy by the "capillary resistance test"
-(chapter VII). The other marked functional alteration in scurvy is
-increased susceptibility to infection; but how a vitamine deficiency
-induces this vulnerability cannot be explained. Clinical tests show that
-the blood contains sufficient antitoxin (diphtheria) to afford
-protection. Harden and Zilva found that "guinea-pigs fed on an
-unrestricted mixed diet, on a quantitatively restricted mixed diet, and
-a scorbutic diet showed no differentiation in amboceptor and agglutinin
-titres, and in the complement activity of the blood." If this is to be
-interpreted as indicating that the protective substances of the body
-undergo but little alteration, we must consider whether susceptibility
-to infection, as well as tendency to hemorrhage, is not due largely to
-alteration in the cement substance of the endothelial and epithelial
-membranes.
-
-=The Mode of Action of the Vitamine.=--One of the most interesting as
-well as puzzling questions in regard to the antiscorbutic vitamine
-concerns the manner in which it prevents or cures scurvy. It is a
-subject which at present is in a state of flux, hardly having emerged
-from the realm of hypothesis, so that detailed consideration will profit
-little. At first the _modus operandi_ was explained and accepted as
-enzyme action, but it was soon evident, in view of the thermostability
-of the vitamine, that it could not be classed as a ferment or enzyme in
-the generally-accepted sense of this term. In general, it may be stated
-that there are two main views: one that the vitamine acts directly, and
-the other that it acts indirectly through the function of the endocrine
-glands. _Direct action_, furthermore, may be accomplished in at least
-one of three ways. The vitamine may (1) serve as a source of nutriment
-for the tissues, (2) exert an antitoxic effect on toxic products, or (3)
-function as a catalyzer. The first interpretation is evidently the
-simplest and conforms to the long-established knowledge of caloric food
-factors. That such small amounts as 2 c.c. of orange juice daily should
-suffice to protect an animal from nutritional disaster runs counter,
-however, to former conceptions of food nutrition. Further than this
-there is little against this viewpoint. In its favor is the fact that,
-up to a certain point, antiscorbutics act in direct ratio to the amount
-given; for example, 2 c.c. of canned tomato juice is insufficient to
-prevent scurvy in guinea-pigs, 3 c.c. will protect some but not all of
-a series, whereas when the amount is increased to 4 c.c. daily all
-animals will be saved. As we are considering new food factors it is
-manifestly unwise to judge them by old standards, and to decide offhand
-that they cannot possess such a high degree of nutritive power. This
-question must be regarded as still open.
-
-The antitoxic theory suffers from the fact that the toxic origin of
-scurvy cannot be established. Before this is possible, it is clear that
-it will be difficult to bring forward convincing evidence of a
-neutralizing substance. Against this theory is the fact that elimination
-therapy is of no avail in the treatment of infantile scurvy. Hess and
-Unger (1919) failed to alleviate the symptoms by means of catharsis,
-diuresis, sweating and repeated intravenous injections of normal salt
-solution. In its favor it may be advanced, in a general way, that the
-vitamine, in many characteristics, resembles an antitoxin--in its
-extreme lability, its destruction by heat, aging and alkalies. On the
-other hand, antitoxins also are readily destroyed by acid which, as has
-been shown, exerts a protective influence on the antiscorbutic factor.
-The rapidity of action of the vitamines, one of the most impressive
-phenomena, calls to mind the neutralizing action of an antitoxin, and
-probably has given rise to the analogy. Williams suggests that the
-vitamines have "a general, non-specific, antitoxic or eliminative
-action" on toxic substances resulting from the metabolic decomposition
-of food.
-
-The theory has been advanced that the action of the vitamines is
-catalytic. Although this viewpoint has been taken regarding the
-water-soluble rather than the antiscorbutic vitamine, it will be well to
-review briefly the work on which it is based. Among the first to suggest
-this hypothesis were Vedder and Clark, who noted a relationship between
-the amount of vitamine required by fowls and their carbohydrate intake.
-Funk in 1913 made a similar observation in regard to beriberi, and in
-the following year, with von Schoenborn, showed that a vitamine-free
-diet led to hyperglycæmia, with diminished amount of hepatic glycogen,
-and that the addition of water-soluble vitamine diminished the
-hyperglycæmia and increased the liver glycogen. The work of Burge and
-his co-workers on the catalase content of tissue led to a similar
-conclusion. Their results may be summarized by the statement that the
-oxidative processes are hampered and fail to balance the autolytic
-changes, and, furthermore, that a relationship exists between the
-catalase activity, acidosis and normal oxidative processes. This theory
-would presuppose that scurvy is due to the formation of toxins which are
-normally in process of continual destruction in the body. According to
-some, these catalyzed toxic substances are metabolic in character,
-originating from incompletely oxidized food; according to another
-interpretation, they are the product of autolyzed tissue cells (tissue
-toxins). The difficulty with this explanation is that scurvy cannot be
-prevented or cured by a diet containing food of high catalytic power.
-For example, wheat embryos which, according to recent investigations of
-Crocker and Harrington, have a high catalytic activity, were found of no
-therapeutic value in relation to infantile scurvy (Hess, 3).
-
-This problem has been approached from quite a different angle. As is
-well known, certain bacteria require serum, blood, milk, etc., in order
-to grow satisfactorily on artificial culture media. It has been
-established recently, primarily by the work of Lloyd, that this
-peculiarity in the cultivation of microörganisms is due largely to
-their requirement of vitamine. She found a relationship of the inverse
-order between the amount of amino acid present in the culture medium and
-the amount of vitamine required to stimulate the growth of strains of
-meningococcus. Reasoning from this experience, she suggests that the
-action of the accessory growth factors is to increase the reaction
-velocity of the proteolytic metabolism. Here we find the vitamines once
-more regarded as catalyzers. This author, however, associates their
-activity with proteolytic rather than with carbohydrate metabolism.
-Interesting and suggestive work of similar nature has been carried out
-in relation to the growth of protozoa and of yeasts (Eddy).
-Investigations of this kind, dealing with unicellular organisms
-propagated on a simple food, have the advantage of greatly simplifying
-the problem.
-
-The recent work of Dutcher falls under this caption, differing merely in
-the fact that he attributes to the vitamines an _indirect action_. He
-has demonstrated that the tissues of polyneuritic birds show a decrease
-in catalase activity to a point 56 per cent. below normal, and that this
-activity is largely restored when the birds are cured with vitamine.
-According to this writer the vitamine functions as a metabolic
-stimulant, and its lack results in a depression of the body oxidations
-with an accompanying formation of toxic metabolic products, injurious to
-the nervous system. The action is regarded as coming about in an
-indirect manner, being accomplished through the hormone action of the
-vitamines on one or more glands of internal secretion.
-
-The _endocrine hypothesis_, suggested by Funk in his monograph, is not
-without some corroborative evidence. In testing the pharmacologic action
-of the water-soluble vitamine, Uhlmann found that it stimulated the
-various glands of the digestive tract, in this respect acting like
-pilocarpine. Some years ago Albert expressed the opinion that the action
-of this vitamine was "vagotropic" like atropine, and recently Dutcher
-has reported definite relief and cessation of polyneuritic symptoms by
-means of pilocarpine (0.5 mg. subcutaneously). He claims equally good
-results from thyroxin, the hormone of the thyroid gland, from desiccated
-thyroid and from tethelin (pituitary). Voegtlin and Myers conclude, as
-the result of experiments with brewers' yeast, that the chemical and
-physical properties of secretin and vitamine are identical.
-
-The early work of Funk and Douglas, which showed that various _glands of
-internal secretion_ diminish in size and undergo degenerative changes
-when the diet is vitamine-free, the newer work of McCarrison and of
-Dutcher to the same effect, clearly point to an intimate relationship
-between some of the endocrine glands and the vitamines. As regards
-scurvy, the only work is that of Rondoni, McCarrison and of LaMer and
-Campbell on the adrenal glands, which were found by all to be enlarged
-in guinea-pigs suffering from this disorder. These investigations must
-be regarded as tentative rather than conclusive until confirmed by
-similar necropsy reports in man. In this connection it should be noted
-that thyroid, parathyroid or suprarenal extract is of no avail in the
-treatment of scurvy. This failure may, however, be explained by the fact
-that the normal balance of glandular activity was not established. We
-must bear in mind, however, that although the vitamines may influence
-the secretion of the glands of internal secretion, this explanation does
-not satisfactorily account for the symptoms of the "deficiency
-diseases." These disorders do not in the slightest respect resemble the
-clinical pictures which we are accustomed to associate with a lack of
-activity of the glands of internal secretion. If the polyneuritis of
-beriberi and the hemorrhages of scurvy are attributable to a diminished
-secretion of the endocrine glands, then it will be necessary to revise
-present conceptions of their physiologic functions.
-
-=The Fate of the Vitamine in the Body.=--One of the most important
-questions in relation to the antiscorbutic vitamine, quite apart from
-its chemical nature, physiologic function, and its source, is its fate
-in the human body after it has reached the alimentary canal or been
-carried to the tissues. It can be readily appreciated that our knowledge
-of this aspect is very meagre. We shall endeavor, however, to detail
-what little is known of this subject, conscious of the fact that
-investigations of the next few years may contradict our present
-viewpoints.
-
-Most of the constituents necessary for the construction of tissue or for
-carrying on its functions can be synthesized by the animal body from the
-basal foodstuffs. It has been ascertained within the past decade that
-certain constituents--for example, some amino-acids of the protein
-molecule--are building-stones which cannot be primarily elaborated by
-the cells, but must be supplied by the food. At present the
-vitamines--including the antiscorbutic vitamine--are included in this
-new and essential group of substances which the human organism cannot
-manufacture. Animal experiments seem to bear out this conception of the
-vitamine whether we regard them as dynamic or as indispensable tissue
-elements in the structural sense.
-
-A closely-related but less fundamental question is that of _the ability
-of man to store vitamines_--whether the tissues can hoard an excess of
-these factors, or whether, in this respect, we are carrying on a
-precarious hand-to-mouth existence in regard to cellular nutrition. It
-is of course clear that at all times the various organs and tissues must
-contain a certain amount of the vitamines. This has been shown for the
-water-soluble or "antineuritic vitamine" by the fact that even the
-organs of birds which have died of polyneuritis contain an appreciable
-quantity of the specific vitamine, although an insufficiency of this
-very factor has led to their death. That such is the case is
-demonstrated for the antiscorbutic vitamine by the fact that muscle
-tissue contains sufficient antiscorbutic to protect individuals
-subsisting largely on a diet of which raw meat constitutes the sole
-antiscorbutic agent (Stefánsson). It is very probable that some organs
-contain more of the vitamines than others; this has been proved for the
-"antineuritic" factor, and seems to hold good for the antiscorbutic--the
-liver being particularly rich. No quantitative study has been carried
-out from this point of view regarding the antiscorbutic vitamine, and it
-would be well worth our while to ascertain the relative antiscorbutic
-potency of the various organs of the body. Some time ago we undertook
-experiments to determine whether the guinea-pig is capable of storing
-this vitamine. One series of guinea-pigs was fed daily 6 c.c. of orange
-juice for a period of two weeks, whereas another series, of about the
-same weight, was given, in addition to the basal ration, only 3 c.c.
-per capita (the minimal protective dose). After this preliminary period
-both series were placed on a diet containing practically no
-antiscorbutic. Both groups came down with scurvy after about the same
-interval, leading to the conclusion that there could have been little if
-any storing of the excess vitamine by those which received twice the
-"minimal protective dose." The experiments of Harden and Zilva, who fed
-a concentrated lemon juice, showed that this potent agent also was
-unable to provide against a subsequent period of antiscorbutic
-deficiency. It should be realized that the results of these tests on
-guinea-pigs cannot be applied to man without tests on other species.
-
-It might be thought that _the blood_--the purveyor of the vitamines to
-the tissues--would be particularly rich in these essential factors.
-Such, however, was not our experience in respect to the antiscorbutic
-vitamine. The blood possibly varies greatly in this respect according to
-the diet of the individual, or even according to the interval elapsing
-after the ingestion of antiscorbutic food. Our opinion is based on the
-surprisingly poor therapeutic effect of blood transfusion in the
-treatment of scurvy. To illustrate: An infant weighing about fifteen
-pounds received six intravenous injections of citrated blood--one of 200
-c.c., given by the direct method, and a month later five smaller
-transfusions with citrated blood, which aggregated 205 c.c.[25] In spite
-of this addition of blood, the hemorrhage and congestion of the gums did
-not disappear, nor the general condition improve, as would have happened
-had 50 or 75 c.c. of orange juice been given by mouth. It seems probable
-that small quantities of vitamine are being transmitted at all times by
-the blood and supplied to the cells, but that its normal content of this
-factor is not great. The antiscorbutic potency of blood may perhaps be
-compared to that of milk. Animal investigation may show that various
-vessels--for example, those supplying or draining certain glandular
-organs--differ in the antiscorbutic quality of the blood which they
-carry. It is evident, therefore, that many transitory factors may
-influence the vitamine content of the blood, and that--as in the case of
-milk and fruits and vegetables--we are not dealing with a constant and
-unvarying agent.
-
-[25] The dates and quantities of the transfusions were as follows: March
-26th, 200 c.c.; April 27th, 30 c.c.; April 28th, 35 c.c.; April 29th, 30
-c.c.; May 2nd, 75 c.c.; May 3rd, 35 c.c.
-
-Nothing whatsoever is known concerning the _excretion_ of the
-antiscorbutic vitamine. No attempts have been made to recover it from
-the urine, or to ascertain if, when large amounts are ingested, the
-excess is thrown off by the body. This suggests the question--a
-corollary of that raised in connection with the vitamine content of the
-blood--whether it is immaterial if the vitamine is taken frequently in
-small amounts, or is provided only occasionally and at longer intervals
-in larger amounts. Is it of no moment whether the infant receive its
-quota of antiscorbutic every few hours through the medium of the breast
-milk, or only once a day in the form of orange juice or tomato? If we
-turn to studies on the other vitamines for enlightenment as to the
-possibility of excretion, we find that Muckenfuss recovered the
-water-soluble factor from ox bile and from human urine.[26] In this
-article he proposes the interesting question of a possible variation in
-the vitamine output under pathological conditions, which may be
-responsible for the development of functional disturbances in children.
-
-[26] This investigation was carried out by means of activating fuller's
-earth with these fluids. This method is inapplicable to the
-antiscorbutic vitamine, which is not adsorbed by this material. An
-attempt to feed concentrated human urine to guinea-pigs resulted in
-their death.
-
-It would be of interest to know the _fate of the antiscorbutic vitamine
-in the gastro-intestinal tract_. How is it affected by a lack of the
-acid gastric juice, or by the alkaline intestinal secretions, or by the
-bacteria in the lumen of the gut? From which part of the intestine is it
-largely absorbed? May an appreciable amount undergo destruction before
-this is accomplished? None of these questions can be answered
-satisfactorily in the present state of our knowledge, but they suggest
-that the mere fact that an adequate quota of antiscorbutic vitamine is
-provided in the food does not necessarily insure an adequate supply for
-the tissues. If in addition to the question of intake we must take into
-account that the vitamines may suffer various vicissitudes, it may come
-to pass that pathological conditions at times destroy or render them
-partially inactive. In this way we may account for irregularities in the
-clinical course of disorders associated with vitamine deficiency.
-
-Of prime importance, however, is the effect of the vitamines _on the
-glands of the alimentary tract and on the digestive processes_. A
-diminution of gastric juice, or in some instances a total absence, has
-been observed in adult scurvy, and noted by us in two cases of infantile
-scurvy. As mentioned elsewhere, some consider the function of the
-water-soluble vitamine analogous to that of secretin. In applying this
-hypothesis to scurvy it must be borne in mind that the sequence may be
-reversed, that the lack of vitamine may not lead to the gastric achylia,
-but that the achylia may come about secondarily as the result of the
-malnutrition.
-
-We have referred to _"irregularities" in the course of the "deficiency
-diseases."_ A careful perusal of the literature leaves one with the
-impression that the most experienced observers are not entirely
-satisfied with the exclusively etiologic relationship of the vitamine to
-its respective nutritional disorder. In regard to scurvy, more
-particularly, there are numerous scattered reports where the disorder
-did not yield to antiscorbutic foods as might have been expected, or
-where, on the other hand, it suddenly and inexplicably retrogressed,
-although there had been no alteration in the dietary.[27] These
-instances are not common, but they occur from time to time, and their
-occurrence must be accounted for. In relation to beriberi and avian
-polyneuritis improvement of this kind has frequently been explained on
-the theory of a sudden mobilization of vitamines from the tissues. There
-is, however, no data on which to base such explanations, and it may be
-that a lack of parallelism between vitamine intake and the clinical
-course may be due at times to processes taking place in the alimentary
-tract.
-
-[27] Neumann, for example, writes that he has seen at least four
-children whose condition was not improved, although in addition to the
-milk, they took asparagus, spinach, and other vegetables or apple sauce.
-Some years ago we had a similar experience. It has likewise happened
-that infantile scurvy did not recur, although the diet was the same as
-that which originally led to the disorder.
-
-The fat-soluble vitamine has been termed by some the growth vitamine.
-All the vitamines, however, are closely associated with the function of
-growth, which their deficiency tends to inhibit. In the chapter on
-symptomatology, it will be pointed out that infants suffering from
-scurvy fail to grow normally both in length and in weight. To a certain
-extent this may be due to a loss of appetite, which is one of the
-characteristic phenomena accompanying the scorbutic condition. On the
-other hand, this anorexia may be secondary and not primary to the
-impairment of the growth impulse, which may lead to a dysfunction of
-various body processes.
-
-It is of little value to look ahead and try to foresee what the next
-decade will bring forth in regard to the nature of the vitamines.
-Investigation has broadened remarkably during the past few years and now
-embraces the chemical field--chemical and adsorption methods, the large
-realm of biology, including studies in physiology and pharmacology; and
-recently pathology has once more been called upon to aid in the solution
-of the problem. Probably additional vitamines will be discovered. From
-time to time it has been suggested that a specific growth vitamine
-exists quite distinct from the three which are recognized, and recently
-Mellanby has suggested still another food factor--a specific "rachitic
-vitamine." When we reflect that the characteristic functions of the
-various organs--the kidneys, liver, etc.--must depend on essential
-differences in chemical structure, the complexity of the entire problem
-of unidentified factors becomes evident.[28]
-
-[28] For recent and comprehensive reviews of the vitamines the reader is
-referred to papers by A. B. Macallum (Trans. Royal Canadian Institute,
-Toronto, 1919) and by W. H. Eddy (Abstracts of Bacteriol. 1919, Vol.
-iii, 313.)
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-PATHOLOGY
-
-
-Physicians have had a general knowledge of the pathology of scurvy for a
-great many years. Lind, in his "Treatise on the Scurvy," published in
-1772, included a chapter on "dissections" and a postscript on
-"Appearances on Dissections of Scorbutic Bodies," based on a large,
-although indefinite, number of postmortem examinations. In the century
-which followed, there are to be found many reports of scurvy, especially
-in connection with the frequent wars, but it is surprising how little
-detailed pathologic information they furnish. Barlow's publication in
-1883, establishing the identity of the scurvy of adults and of infants,
-must be regarded as the modern milestone in the study of the pathology
-of this disorder. This work did not contribute richly to the data of the
-subject, or suggest novel interpretations, but directed attention to a
-new source of material--the increasing number of cases of infantile
-scurvy--at a critical moment when the opportunity for the study of
-scurvy in the adult was rapidly becoming less. At the time of Barlow's
-exposition of the true nature of "acute rickets," scientific medicine
-was concentrating its interest on pathology. Tissues were being
-carefully studied by means of the microscope, and scurvy was subjected
-to this new method of investigation. As a result of intensive
-application of this technic, a lesion of the bones was identified and
-established as characteristic of scurvy. Study was focussed so
-exclusively on the bones, that for many years, indeed until very
-recently, the other organs of the body were neglected. This is true of
-the gross as well as of the microscopic anatomy. Protocol after protocol
-gives a hasty account of the appearance of the various organs, merely as
-a routine introduction to a careful and often minute study of the bones
-(Table 2). As the result of this myopic vision, enlargement of the
-heart, for example, which should have been noted many years ago, was,
-until recently, unobserved--indeed, the heart is but occasionally
-mentioned in the protocols.
-
- TABLE 2
- NECROPSY REPORTS OF SCURVY
- ======================================================================
- Number| | | |
- of | Author |Date| Gross | Microscopic
- Cases | | | |
- ------+------------------+----+---------------+-----------------------
- ADULTS
- Many |Lind |1772|Brief summaries|
- 51 |von Himmelstein |1843|Brief summaries|
- 8 |Hayem |1871|Résumé |Brief résumé.
- 7 |Lasèque & Legroux |1871|Fairly detailed|
- 7 |Charpentier |1871|Brief summaries|
- 13 |Sato & Nambu |1908|Fairly detailed|Fairly detailed.
- 2 |Urizio |1917|Brief summaries|Brief summaries.
- 1 |Feigenbaum |1917|Brief summary |Brief summary.
- 23 |Aschoff & Koch |1919|Very complete |Very complete.
-
- INFANTS AND CHILDREN
- 1 |Smith |1876|Brief report |
- 3 |Barlow |1883|Fairly detailed|Bones, brief report.
- 1 |MacKenzie |1883|Brief summary |
- 1 |Northrup |1892|Brief report |
- 1 |Cassel |1893|Brief report |
- 2 |Sutherland |1894|Fairly detailed|Brain and liver, 1 case
- 1 |Reinert |1895|Very complete |Fairly complete.
- 1 |Hirschsprung |1896|Summary |
- 3 |Meyer |1896|Fairly detailed|
- 1 |Baginsky |1897|Fairly detailed|Brief, bones more in
- | | | | detail.
- 1 |Naegeli |1897|Fairly detailed|Bones only.
- 1 |Manz |1899|Summary |
- 5 |Schoedel & Nauwerk|1900|Very complete |Very complete.
- 1 |Jacobsthal |1900|Very complete |Very complete.
- 1 |Stoos |1903|Fairly complete|Bones only.
- 1 |Looser |1905|Summary |
- 1 |Hoffmann |1905|Summary |Bones only.
- 1 |Stoeltzner |1906|Bone only |Bone only.
- 22 |Fraenkel |1908|Résumé |Bones only.
- 1 |Nobécourt et al |1913|Brief report |Bone only.
- 3 |Ingier |1913|Brief report |Bones, very complete.
- 1 |Bahrdt & Edelstein|1913|Complete |Bones, brief report.
- 31 |Erdheim |1918|Brief summaries|Brief résumé.
- 1 |Epstein |1918|Very detailed |
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-A new era in the pathology of scurvy was inaugurated by the availability
-of experimental scurvy and also by the stimulation occasioned by the
-recent conception of vitamines and the so-called deficiency diseases. In
-endeavoring to elucidate this fascinating problem, it has gradually been
-realized that pathology may be of service--for example, in relation to
-the involvement of the endocrine glands. Accordingly, studies of the
-minute pathology of the various organs have been undertaken in many
-laboratories throughout the world (Italy, India, England, Germany and
-the United States). An additional stimulus to investigation in pathology
-has been furnished by the recent war, which, as shown elsewhere, led to
-a great increase in scurvy among both the military and civilian
-population. The excellent report of Aschoff and Koch from Roumania was
-made possible by this catastrophe, and will no doubt soon be followed by
-others of similar character.
-
-=Gross Pathology.--General Appearance.=--The skin usually is pale,
-livid, and dotted with numerous petechiæ. These vary in size from the
-tiniest pin-points, barely recognizable to the naked eye, to ecchymoses
-of moderately large size. The most frequent site is the lower
-extremities. The trunk is always less affected, hemorrhages tending to
-occur along the mid-line and especially around the umbilicus. There may
-be also larger superficial hemorrhages, showing great differences in
-color, from the redder tone of the more recent, to the blues, browns and
-greens of the older lesions. Bleeding from the nose and mouth is not
-uncommon in fatal scurvy, and occasionally exophthalmos is present,
-usually unilateral, and due to subperiosteal hemorrhage of the orbital
-plate of the frontal bone. Rigor mortis is generally slight, and,
-according to Lind and to von Opitz, decomposition takes place rapidly.
-
-There may be great emaciation, especially where secondary infection has
-supervened. General wasting occurs, however, in uncomplicated scurvy due
-to starvation--the result of lack of appetite or a deficiency of the
-general food supply. Children, especially infants, are undersized, as
-illustrated in treating of the symptomatology, and their bones may be
-decidedly smaller than normal. Generally there is some edema about
-the ankles, and in children a somewhat characteristic puffiness about
-the eyes. General anasarca also occurs, in some cases associated with
-renal involvement. Peculiar boggy, "tumor-like" masses of localized
-edema may be present, which were considered by the earlier writers
-(Lind) to be one of the typical lesions of this condition.
-
-=Hemorrhages.=--Hemorrhage is such a striking manifestation that it is
-not surprising to find it was regarded by the older writers as the
-pathognomonic sign of scurvy. The bleeding may take place into almost
-any organ, and vary from small petechiæ to very extensive
-extravasations. The hair follicles and sweat glands are particularly
-susceptible, as Lasèque and Legroux noticed in cases occurring in the
-French prisons. Aschoff and Koch, during the recent war, noted the same
-peculiarity of involvement, calling attention also to the fact that
-previous skin diseases such as keratosis or seborrhea seemed to
-predispose to this localization.
-
-Trauma plays a very important rôle in determining the location of the
-deeper as well as of the superficial hemorrhages. In adults, especially
-in soldiers, in whom the greater number of cases have been recorded, the
-lower extremity is the commonest site, between the knee and ankle, the
-area most exposed to blows as well as acted upon by static congestion.
-In infants, the inner aspect of the thighs is a frequent site due to the
-trauma of the diaper.
-
-The most characteristic hemorrhage, the subperiosteal, will be fully
-discussed when considering the bone lesions. The deeper hemorrhages may
-be very extensive. They tend to follow the connective-tissue strata, and
-in the muscles are usually limited by the muscle sheaths. The blood
-surrounds the muscle fibres, which appear quite intact. The neighboring
-blood-vessels are congested and may contain thrombi, both venous and
-arterial. Such thrombi are found also in areas where extravasation has
-not taken place, and conversely, hemorrhages occur where no thrombi are
-demonstrable, so that a mutual causal relationship cannot be proved.
-Further evidence in regard to the mechanism of these extravasations is
-presented in the discussion of the minute anatomy. Brownish pigment,
-undoubtedly derived from the blood, is frequently found in the
-neighborhood of the hemorrhagic areas. New connective tissue also grows
-in these areas, so that in healing cases a marked formation of scar
-tissue will be found. Bizarre forms of hemorrhage at times have given
-rise to confusion in diagnosis; hemorrhage involving the right lower
-abdominal quadrant may simulate appendicitis; when occurring in the
-region of the transverse colon it has been mistaken for an epigastric
-new-growth.
-
-Certain parts of the body seem less predisposed to hemorrhage. The
-central nervous system is often spared, notwithstanding extensive
-bleeding elsewhere, the meninges being somewhat more frequently
-involved. Hemorrhage of the lungs is also less common than might be
-expected, and it is probably true as Lasèque and Legroux suggested, that
-previous pulmonary disease, particularly tuberculosis, is an important
-predisposing factor.
-
-=Anasarca.=--This comprises the second characteristic lesion found in
-scurvy at necropsy and was referred to in the earliest records of the
-disease. In the account of his dissections Lind writes: "The breast,
-belly and several other parts of the body were filled with this water
-or serum," mentioning also the pericardium and ventricles of the brain.
-He also noted that all the tissues seemed to contain an excessive amount
-of fluid, a condition which may be so striking that the muscles appear
-bathed in serum. In one of his first cases with postmortem verification,
-Barlow described this appearance as follows: "The muscular walls of the
-thorax were pale yellow and watery, as though they had been bathed in
-serum." In many cases this edema is most marked in the neighborhood of
-the hemorrhages, for example, in the muscles of the thigh when
-subperiosteal hemorrhage has taken place; less frequently it is produced
-by venous thrombosis.
-
-Any or all of the serous cavities may be involved in this hydrops, the
-order of frequency being pericardium, pleuræ, peritoneum, and joint
-surfaces, especially the knee. The fluid is clear and straw-colored, or,
-in the event of secondary infection, becomes cloudy and
-fibrino-purulent. Later the exudate may become organized so that the
-entire cavity is filled with a solid mass, which binds the organs
-together and obliterates the cavity. The exudate may be blood-stained or
-apparently consist entirely of clotted blood.
-
-=Heart.=--In the protocols of most necropsies, the heart is passed over
-with scant mention. For example, Lind's only statement in this regard is
-that "all those who died suddenly, without any visible cause of their
-death, had the auricles of their heart as big as one's fist, and full of
-coagulated blood." Barlow accords it no attention, nor do most of the
-writers who immediately followed him. The first careful description of
-the heart is to be found in the excellent work of Schoedel and Nauwerk,
-which contains the following record in regard to three of the five
-necropsies on infantile scurvy: (1) Pericardial fluid somewhat
-increased, both ventricles moderately dilated, the right somewhat
-hypertrophic. (2) The heart showed a hypertrophy of the right and left
-ventricles, as well as dilatation of the right ventricle. (3) The right
-ventricle is dilated and slightly hypertrophied, the muscles pale and
-tough. There is no word of comment relative to these cardiac changes,
-which evidently were considered fortuitous. The same observation holds
-true in regard to a necropsy on an eight-year-old child reported by
-Ingier, which showed a moderate hypertrophy of the left ventricle. We
-look in vain, likewise, for information on the subject in the work on
-guinea-pig scurvy by Holst and Froelich, and that on scurvy in the
-monkey by Hart and Lessing. The first linking of cardiac enlargement
-with scurvy is found in a paper by Darling, who described "right-sided
-hypertrophy and degenerative changes in the vagus and all its branches."
-Hess described and demonstrated by means of roentgenograms the enlarged
-heart in infantile scurvy. Recently Erdheim, in an article entitled "Das
-Barlowherz," reported the occurrence of enlargement of the heart,
-especially of the right ventricle, in 21 out of 31 necropsies of
-infantile scurvy, and concluded that a direct ratio exists between the
-degree of enlargement and the intensity of the disorder. These reports
-gain added interest in view of the enlargement of the right heart so
-frequently encountered in beriberi, and described by Andrews in infants
-dying of this condition. In addition to the definite statement of
-Darling regarding adults, mention may be made of the observation of
-Aschoff and Koch, that in two cases of uncomplicated scurvy there were
-fatty degeneration and dilatation of the heart. Fatty degeneration of
-the muscle is frequent, brown atrophy exceptional. Sato and Nambu also
-found hyperæmia and atrophy with increase of connective tissue between
-the muscle fibres.
-
-The pericardial cavity contains almost invariably an increased quantity
-of fluid, which may be so great as to impede the heart's action.
-Adhesive pericarditis has been described. The cardiac valves are normal,
-unless previously damaged.
-
-=Lungs.=--The lungs are almost always congested, but apart from this are
-remarkably free from abnormality. Smaller or larger hemorrhages are
-described occasionally, which are usually considered truly scorbutic;
-Andrews, however, found similar lesions in beriberi. In the necropsy of
-Stephen Mackenzie's case, described by Barlow, these small hemorrhages
-are stated to have resembled small red tubercles scattered throughout
-the lung. There may be pulmonary infarcts. Edema of the lungs is not
-uncommon, as we should expect, especially as a terminal condition.
-Pneumonia, lobular or lobar, is one of the most frequent complications
-and causes of death. Active tuberculosis is a not uncommon secondary
-manifestation.
-
-Subserous hemorrhages are almost the rule; if infection supervenes, the
-pleuræ become thickened and covered with an exudate of pus and fibrin.
-
-=Alimentary Tract.=--The lesions of the gums so well recognized
-clinically are fully discussed under symptomatology. The remarkable fact
-that these hemorrhages do not appear in edentulous gums has been the
-centre of the controversy as to the identity of adult scurvy and
-Barlow's disease. This same lack of involvement is noted in adults whose
-teeth have been extracted. Where teeth are present, the gums are swollen
-and edematous, often of a livid, reddish color; less frequently, pale
-and pouting. Hemorrhage is seen at the edge of the gum adjacent to the
-teeth. In advanced cases the gums are enormously swollen, fungous,
-ulcerated and covered with a foul, greenish, necrotic mass, which may
-extend widely over the buccal mucous membrane. The teeth become loosened
-and fall out. Secondary infection undoubtedly plays the chief rôle in
-producing this condition, for the most severe forms are found only where
-caries and pyorrhoea preëxisted. This seat of infection may serve as the
-source of dissemination throughout the body, giving rise to many of the
-lesions found at postmortem, especially in the lower part of the
-intestinal tract.
-
-The _stomach_ shows no characteristic changes. Congestion of the mucosa
-is frequent, at times associated with small superficial erosions; the
-latter gain added interest in view of their occurrence in guinea-pig
-scurvy. Hemorrhages occur here also and may involve any of the mural
-coats.
-
-The _duodenum_ shows often intense congestion. This occurs with
-sufficient frequency to demand attention, especially as a similar
-condition has been described in other disorders grouped with scurvy.
-Willcox and others found congestion of the duodenum and of the lower
-intestine in beriberi, and Andrews described not only congestion but
-even minute hemorrhages. Small duodenal ulcers are by no means
-infrequent both in human and in guinea-pig scurvy (Holst and Froelich).
-The presence of such marked congestion surrounding the papilla of Vater
-would lead us to expect the occurrence of catarrhal jaundice associated
-with scurvy. But, on the contrary, icterus has rarely been noted in
-scurvy. Urizio has described jaundice in this connection, but it is
-difficult to decide whether his cases were true scurvy, as they occurred
-in an epidemic of jaundice and no histologic examination of the bones
-was carried out.
-
-The _intestine_ may present a variety of lesions.[29] The mucosa is
-frequently congested and swollen, and the solitary follicles and Peyer's
-patches enlarged. These changes may progress to necrosis and extensive
-ulceration. In an outbreak of scurvy occurring in this country in 1917,
-in a large institution for epileptics, ulceration was a frequent lesion
-at necropsy.[30] Dysentery, a frequent complication of scurvy in some
-epidemics, may add to this ulceration and lead to even complete
-sloughing of the inner lining of the intestine. Hemorrhages are found in
-the mucous, serous or muscular layers. Here, as elsewhere, the
-hemorrhages vary in size from petechiæ to large infiltrations of blood.
-A very striking picture is sometimes presented by the pale, edematous
-intestinal wall dotted or streaked with vivid red.
-
-[29] For details regarding the intestinal lesions in infantile scurvy,
-the reader is referred to Barlow's description of the case of Stephen
-Mackenzie, to one necropsy report by Theodor Fischer, one by
-Hirschsprung, one by Meyer, and five by Schoedel and Nauwerk. The
-prevailing lesions are hemorrhages, pigmentation, follicular ulceration,
-and enlargement of the mesenteric glands.
-
-[30] The potato crop largely failed this year, and there was
-considerable scurvy in the spring, as described in the chapter on
-antiscorbutics.
-
-=Liver.=--The liver is frequently congested, as would be expected in
-view of the involvement of the right heart. Erdheim found congestion,
-however, in only nine among thirty-one necropsies, although enlargement
-of the heart was present twenty-one times. There may be hemorrhages in
-the glandular tissue or under the peritoneum. "Cloudy" and fatty
-degenerations occur occasionally, and in some cases an early cirrhosis.
-Lind found abscess of the liver, and wrote that in a few instances "the
-matter or corruption was hardened, as it were, into a stone."
-
-=Spleen.=--This organ is usually somewhat enlarged and congested.
-Charpentier, in the Paris epidemic of 1871, found it often three to four
-times the normal size and very soft, and Lind tells us that "the spleen
-was three times bigger than natural, and fell to pieces, as if composed
-of congealed blood." It must be remembered that the pathologic as well
-as the clinical picture of the scurvy of Lind and his time was generally
-complicated by infection. The enlargement is usually by no means so
-great, and no doubt is due in part to intercurrent infections. On
-section, it is found frequently to contain much reddish-brown pigment.
-Hemorrhage may also occur. In beriberi, Andrews observed frequent
-congestion of the spleen and also a loss of normal markings.
-
-=Pancreas.=--There is but one reference to a lesion of the pancreas in
-scurvy, that of Sato and Nambu, who encountered hemorrhage of this organ
-in one case among the necropsies performed in the course of the
-Russo-Japanese War.
-
-=Kidneys.=--Here again, congestion and hemorrhage are the two lesions
-most commonly found. The kidneys also may show any of the forms of
-nephropathy ordinarily recognized, but these must be regarded as
-complicating conditions and not a part of the true scurvy.
-
-Small hemorrhages may be found in the uterus, bladder or urethra. They
-are especially common in the bladder, both in man and in the guinea-pig,
-and in some instances may be the cause of the hæmaturia noted during
-life.
-
-=Lymph-nodes.=--General enlargement of the lymph-nodes has been
-described, but occurs probably only in advanced cases where a general
-infection has been superadded. As a rule the enlargement is confined to
-nodes draining areas where hemorrhage has occurred. On section these
-nodes are reddish or brownish as the result of the pigment which they
-contain, the "black and red spots of different sizes" mentioned by Lind.
-Following infection they may become purulent, resulting in the inguinal
-buboes so frequently mentioned by the older authors,[31] or in the
-purulent mesenteric nodes associated with intestinal ulceration.
-
-[31] Lind writes: "In the months of July and August I opened near
-seventy large swellings in the groin, proceeding entirely from scurvy."
-... "We found the glands under their arm-pits much enlarged and
-surrounded with purulent matter, as well as the muscles of their arms
-and thighs." ... "The glands of the mesentery are generally obstructed
-and swelled. Some of these were found partly corrupted and
-imposthumated."
-
-=Organs of Internal Secretion.=--Until recently these organs have
-received but little attention. It is probable, however, that in the near
-future they will be the object of close study and that new information
-will be acquired as to their condition in this disorder. Hemorrhages are
-commonly seen in the adrenals, enlarging them greatly and giving them a
-deep red color; the hemorrhage generally involves mainly the medullary
-portion.[32] It is probable that careful scrutiny will disclose
-hemorrhages in the other glands of internal secretion. The question of
-the involvement of these glands will be again considered under the
-microscopic anatomy, and has been taken up from a functional standpoint
-in treating of the possible indirect action of the vitamines.
-
-[32] In view of the report of Hart and Lessing of calcium deposits in
-the adrenal glands of monkeys suffering from scurvy, special attention
-should be given to this point in necropsies on human beings.
-
-=The brain and the spinal cord= likewise have been but little studied.
-It is hardly to be expected that much will be learned from an
-investigation of the gross pathology of these organs, but the
-microscopic anatomy offers a promising field of research. Hemorrhage may
-occur into the brain substance, into the cord or the membranes
-surrounding them. Pachymeningitis hemorrhagica interna has been
-described frequently (Meyer, Hayem, Sutherland, Sato and Nambu) and may
-give rise to the symptoms of meningitis. Sutherland reports an instance
-where thrombosis of the basal artery was found postmortem. In one case,
-that of Feigenbaum, hemorrhage of the cord was diagnosed during life and
-confirmed at necropsy.
-
-The peripheral nerves may be the seat of hemorrhages, the blood lying
-between the nerve trunk and its sheath. This is particularly well
-illustrated in the recent work of Aschoff and Koch.
-
-=Bones.=--Palpation of the body will often reveal distinct lesion of the
-bones, such as fractures, either ununited or healed with the formation
-of large calluses; subperiosteal hemorrhages, especially of the distal
-end of the femur or of the tibia, may be evident to the eye as well as
-to the touch. Crepitation of the bones may serve to further establish
-the break in continuity of the bones. This lesion was well known to the
-older writers. Lind writes that "in some, when moved, we heard a small
-grating of the bones. Upon operating those bodies the epiphyses were
-found entirely separated from the bones; which, by rubbing against each
-other, occasioned this noise." "All the young persons under 18 had in
-some degree their epiphyses separated from the body of the bone, this
-water having penetrated into the very substance of it." Poupart was also
-struck by this phenomenon in young adults.
-
-Another bony alteration which is readily palpable is "beading" of the
-ribs, the counterpart of the rhachitic rosary. This has not been
-considered a sign of scurvy, and when noted clinically or at postmortem
-has been passed over without comment, just as has been the case with
-cardiac hypertrophy. In infants the beading has been attributed to
-rickets, and this error has been largely responsible for the general
-opinion that almost all infants suffering from scurvy suffer also from
-rickets. If we scan the literature with this question in mind, we find
-numerous casual references to beading of the ribs in scurvy. Fraenkel's
-frequently cited case of a child of seven who died of acute scurvy,
-showed beading of the ribs during life as well as after death. The true
-scorbutic character of these enlargements was substantiated by
-microscopic examination. In their pathologic studies on scurvy among
-soldiers, Aschoff and Koch frequently describe beading of the ribs,
-which they attribute to an infraction of the costochondral
-junctions.[33] There may be fracture at this junction, or a separation
-of the cartilages from the sternum, as described by Lind.
-
-[33] The beading may have the usual, rounded, smooth, knobby character.
-There may be, however, what one might term "angular beading," the
-junction taking on a step-like form, as if the abutting ends of the
-cartilage and the bone were of unequal size and not well fitted to each
-other. The cartilage overtops the bone, so that on palpating the joint
-there is a precipitous fall as we run the finger outward from the
-surface of the cartilage, or a sudden elevation on palpating the rib
-from without inward toward the sternum.
-
-This beading of the ribs, which involves mainly the middle tier, was
-described by Holst and Froelich in their classic report of guinea-pig
-scurvy, and has been noted by all subsequent investigators in this
-field. It has usually been called "rhachitic" or "pseudo-rhachitic" in
-spite of the fact that this junction is the site of typical scorbutic
-microscopic lesions. Hart and Lessing refer to the "rhachitic rosary" in
-monkeys, likewise not realizing that it is the product of scurvy.
-
-The subperiosteal hemorrhage has long been recognized as a lesion
-characteristic of scurvy.[34] It occurs exceptionally in the upper
-extremities, and most commonly at the lower end of the femur; it may,
-however, involve almost any of the bones, and has been described in
-connection with the scapula, cranial vault, orbital plate of the frontal
-bone, ribs, etc. It varies greatly in its size, being confined to a
-small area or extending a long distance on the shaft of the bone. It
-rarely is as large as one would expect from external appearance, as much
-of the swelling is due to edema and hemorrhage into the soft parts. The
-periosteum rarely becomes separated at the line of junction of the
-epiphysis and diaphysis. The underlying blood coagulates rapidly, and
-the periosteum begins to calcify within a few weeks, as shown by the
-X-ray.
-
-[34] There seems to be some misconception as to the pathogenesis of the
-subperiosteal hemorrhage in scurvy. In most reports this lesion is
-described as if it resulted from a hemorrhage burrowing its way beneath
-the periosteum and raising it from the subjacent bone. In point of fact,
-such an event is impossible, as will be fully realized when one
-experiences the great difficulty in separating periosteum from normal
-bone. Scurvy involves a periosteum which is not normal; it is insecurely
-attached to the shaft of the bone, so that it is readily stripped off by
-hemorrhage.
-
-The most frequent site of fracture, or separation of the epiphysis, is
-the lower end of the femur. This may be accompanied by local swelling,
-or be discovered at necropsy, or during life by means of the X-ray in
-cases in which it has not been suspected. An interesting fracture
-reported by the author, and also mentioned by Kaufmann and by Schoedel,
-is that of the head of the femur leading to the development of coxa
-vara. In the author's case, the condition was found in a scorbutic
-infant who had never stood on its feet. Schoedel suggests that scurvy
-may at times be the etiologic factor in coxa vara as well as in some
-cases diagnosed as congenital dislocation of the hip.
-
-On sectioning the bones longitudinally the cortex is noted to be
-exceedingly thin, a mere shell and very brittle. The trabeculæ are so
-thin and reduced in number that the bone has become a very fragile
-structure. The marrow is no longer deep red at the ends of the long
-bones, but yellowish, frequently presenting a patchy appearance. It has
-a gelatinous consistency. This "Geruestmark" is one of the
-characteristic anatomical changes of scurvy, and will be fully described
-in considering the microscopic picture. Hemorrhages can be clearly
-distinguished in the marrow, and are of varying shades denoting their
-irregular occurrence. These hemorrhages were considered by Looser to be
-the cause of the connective-tissue formation in the marrow, but do not
-occur with sufficient constancy to warrant this interpretation.
-Moreover, this "frame-work marrow" is found where there is no evidence
-of previous hemorrhage.
-
-
-MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGY
-
-=Skin.=--As pointed out by Aschoff and Koch, examination of skin which
-to gross appearance was the seat of typical small hemorrhages, showed
-various lesions. In some, perhaps the most typical forms, there had
-been a fresh extravasation of red blood-cells. This condition is found
-usually in the subepidermal layers, especially in the papillary stratum.
-These small hemorrhages occur very frequently about the hair follicles
-and sweat glands, especially when they have been diseased. Where the
-bleeding has been of long standing, dark brownish pigment deposits are
-found and all blood-cells may have disappeared. Phagocytic cells are
-almost always present and may be of the "wandering" or of the more fixed
-connective-tissue type. Many round cells may be seen in these areas
-lying between the connective-tissue strands or around the blood-vessels.
-Rheindorf, as quoted by Tuechler, has called attention to this
-round-celled reaction, which in many instances gives a picture analogous
-to the granulomas, and which leads him to infer an infectious origin for
-these lesions. Other areas which appeared to be the seat of hemorrhage
-are shown by the microscope to be small abscesses or new connective
-tissue often loaded with pigment and detritus, apparently representing
-the final stage of these lesions. Aschoff and Koch have found that
-suitably-stained preparations frequently show a loss of elastic fibres,
-which Rheindorf states constitutes one of the earliest changes of this
-disorder. The blood-vessels in the vicinity of the hemorrhages are
-congested, especially the capillaries and small venules.
-
-=The muscles= also present a similar diverse picture of old and recent
-hemorrhages, pigment deposit and round-celled infiltration. Increase of
-connective tissue is usually found between the fibre bundles and in some
-cases where the hemorrhages are apparently of long standing, as
-evidenced by loss of contour of the red cells and pigmentation of the
-surrounding areas, this scar tissue formation is very marked. Changes in
-the muscle fibres themselves have not been encountered by all observers.
-Hayem describes widespread fatty degeneration and a deposit of pigment
-within the fibres, Leven a loss of sarcolemma, while Lasèque and Legroux
-found fatty changes which were equally marked in muscles showing no
-hemorrhage. On the other hand, Aschoff and Koch, in their careful
-studies, did not find noteworthy fatty change of the fibres, but
-observed often that the fibres within the hemorrhagic areas seemed
-shrunken and were stained abnormally deep with eosin.
-
-In monkeys dying of experimental scurvy, Hart and Lessing describe
-granules in the muscles, which, judged by their staining affinities,
-evidently contained calcium and were similar to those found in the
-adrenal glands.
-
-=Blood-vessels.=--A similar difference of opinion obtains in regard to
-the changes in the walls of the blood-vessels, especially of those in
-hemorrhagic areas. This question is of particular interest because of
-its bearing on the problem of the mechanism involved in the escape of
-the blood. Since it has been demonstrated that neither the clotting time
-nor the viscosity of the blood is markedly changed in scurvy but that
-weakness of the vessel walls exists, as demonstrated by "the capillary
-resistance test," it is natural that we should seek an explanation in
-the microscopic pathology of the vessels. So far no change has been
-found. The application of some of the newer stains, such as those for
-mitochondria and other cell granules, has not been resorted to for this
-study, and might furnish valuable information.
-
-Hayem found fatty infiltration of the walls of the small veins and
-capillaries, and believed this to play an important rôle in the etiology
-of these bleedings. Lasèque and Legroux also found occasional fatty
-changes. Other authors have failed to demonstrate similar lesions, or
-have considered them due to postmortem change. Koch searched in vain for
-"rents" in the vessel walls to account for the escape of blood. Hyaline
-degeneration has also been described, but is believed to result from
-secondary infections and not to be an intrinsic lesion of scurvy (Sato
-and Nambu, Aschoff and Koch).
-
-Thrombosis of vessels is found both in the neighborhood of hemorrhage
-and elsewhere, the thrombi at times completely occluding the vessels and
-giving rise to typical wedge-shaped infarcts. The lung often shows areas
-of this kind.
-
-=Lungs.=--Hemorrhages of various size occur in the tissue of the lung or
-in the air spaces. Hemorrhagic infarcts also have been described, and
-Sato and Nambu report hyaline degeneration of the blood-vessel walls.
-Secondary pneumonias, usually broncho-pneumonic in type, are of common
-occurrence, and in many epidemics constitute the prevailing cause of
-death. Tuberculous lesions are also frequently present, and are stated
-to assume fresh activity as the result of the nutritional disorder.
-Edema occurs frequently, the fluid in the acini often containing red
-blood-cells. Subpleural hemorrhages, thickening of the pleura, purulent
-or fibrinous pleurisy are common lesions.
-
-=Heart.=--Although hypertrophy and dilatation of the heart have been
-noted by several observers, microscopic changes have rarely been
-recorded. Meyer, and also Leven, report fatty degeneration of the muscle
-fibres, which, however, was found by Aschoff and Koch in only one case.
-Sato and Nambu described an increase of connective tissue, and others
-anemia and pigmentation. Thickening of the pericardium and subserous
-hemorrhages also occur.
-
-
-ALIMENTARY TRACT
-
-=Gums.=--Where it has been possible to examine the gums of early cases,
-where swelling, redness or bluish discoloration are the chief symptoms
-and before secondary infection has set in, the microscopic picture is
-very similar to that of the skin. Small hemorrhages, round-celled
-infiltration, increase of connective tissue, clumps of pigment
-containing cells, or a diffuse deposit of brownish granules complete the
-picture. Congestion and edema are usually evident. The changes are most
-pronounced in the deeper layers of the submucosa and about the muscles,
-leaving the superficial layers strikingly intact, beneath an apparently
-normal epithelium. In the later stages, erosion of the mucosa occurs,
-and the upper layers of submucosa become involved. Polynuclear cells
-appear in great numbers, abscesses and ulcers are formed, which with
-proper staining can be shown to harbor the various types of mouth
-bacteria, cocci, spirillæ, etc. The pigmentation becomes intense, and a
-marked increase of the newly-formed connective tissue takes place.
-
-The lesions of the stomach are neither characteristic nor, as a rule,
-very striking. Hemorrhages occur, the larger ones generally in the
-subperitoneal layers, the smaller ones in any of the coats. Thickening
-of the wall follows or accompanies these hemorrhages. Superficial
-erosions of the mucosa or even ulcers may be seen.
-
-The striking congestion of the duodenum has been fully discussed in
-considering the gross pathology. At any level in the intestinal tract
-hemorrhage may take place, with the resulting pigmentation and scar
-tissue formation. The lymphoid structures--solitary follicles and
-Peyer's patches--are usually intensely congested and often the seat of
-hemorrhage. They constitute the sites of predilection for ulcerative
-processes of the gut. Bacteria can be demonstrated at times in the
-submucous layers; however, no type has been found to predominate, the
-flora being composed of the usual intestinal forms. Aschoff and Koch
-have demonstrated in these ulcers the spirilla and fusiform bacilli so
-commonly found in the mouth. These follicular ulcers may be found in any
-part of the intestine, and may be shallow erosions, or extend through
-the follicle into the deeper tissues. Hemorrhages are commonly located
-about the follicles. The epithelial layer is edematous, often showing an
-increased number of cells.
-
-The lymph-nodes may be congested, or edematous and hemorrhagic. Pigment
-is usually present and in some cases the peripheral sinus is distended
-with pigment-loaded cells. Where secondary infection has occurred,
-extensive necrosis of the glands is seen. This is found frequently in
-mesenteric nodes where severe intestinal lesions are present. The nodes
-lying in the drainage paths of hemorrhagic areas, especially the
-inguinal nodes, show active resorption of blood and blood pigments, and,
-as noted above, may be the seat of infection.
-
-=Liver.=--In this organ, likewise, no change is found with sufficient
-regularity to warrant its acceptance as a distinctive lesion of scurvy.
-Fatty infiltration is, however, very common in the centre as well as in
-the periphery of the lobules. It is frequently associated with
-congestion, which may be so great as to lead to atrophy. In one case of
-Aschoff and Koch the picture resembled that of primary liver atrophy.
-The organ frequently contains extravasated blood or depositions of old
-blood pigment. It should be noted that Boerich described early cirrhosis
-in several of his cases, and that Aschoff and Koch record that one of
-their severe, acute cases showed "a recent cellular cirrhosis." An
-exceptional lesion is reported by Reinert--a "leucocytic" infiltration
-of the liver and spleen occurring in a three-year-old child, and
-resembling that seen in pseudoleukæmia. Finally, it should be remembered
-in this connection that Hart and Lessing found calcium deposits not only
-in the muscles and adrenal glands of their monkeys, but also in the
-liver.
-
-=The spleen= shares the general congestion of the internal organs. Sato
-and Nambu invariably found large numbers of pigment granules in this
-organ. Hirschsprung noted many Malpighian corpuscles, Reinert describes
-a true hyperplasia of the splenic pulp, and others mention infarcts and
-subcapsular hemorrhages.
-
-=The kidneys= are often normal. On the other hand, various forms of
-nephritis are found, with cloudy swelling or interstitial change--a not
-infrequent complication of scurvy. More typical of the primary disease
-are congestion and hemorrhages, the bleedings occurring either under the
-capsule, into the interstitial tissues, or into the lumina of the
-tubules. Hayem found fatty infiltration of this organ and Aschoff and
-Koch a slight change of this kind in one case.
-
-=Adrenals.=--A new interest in the study of the adrenals in diseases of
-the "deficiency" group has been created by the recent work of
-McCarrison. This author found the adrenals increased in size and weight
-in guinea-pigs dying of scurvy, whereas the adrenalin content of these
-glands was markedly decreased. On section there was hemorrhagic
-infiltration, "usually circumscribed in extent and situated around the
-periphery of the adrenal cortex." This was seen even in early cases
-before hemorrhage had occurred elsewhere in the body. He describes also
-"degenerative changes in the cellular elements of cortex and medulla"
-consisting of vacuolation and disintegration of the cells with
-disappearance or loss of staining reactions of their nuclei. Rondoni,
-some years previously, had called attention to this increase in size and
-hyperæmia of the adrenals in guinea-pigs fed exclusively cereal diets.
-He, as well as McCarrison, noted an increase, though much less marked,
-as the result of starvation. LaMer and Campbell recently have confirmed
-McCarrison's report of an augmentation in the weight of the adrenal
-glands in guinea-pigs fed on diets deficient in the antiscorbutic
-factor.
-
-Comparable lesions have as yet not been found in human scurvy. These
-glands have been found normal by Jacobsthal, Schoedel and Nauwerk,
-Ingier and Epstein. In the cases of Aschoff and Koch no abnormality was
-noted except an almost constant increase in lipoid content. In those of
-Boerich the glands were normal in all but one case; in this instance the
-medulla was somewhat increased in size. In passing, we may repeat that
-Hart and Lessing found calcium deposits in the adrenals of four of their
-five monkeys, a lesion which has never been recorded in man.
-
-It is valuable in this connection to compare the adrenal in scurvy
-with that of beriberi. In this disorder, Albert found the adrenal normal
-in one case, and Andrews describes only congestion in his eighteen
-necropsies. Ono found an increased adrenalin content in nine fatal
-cases, and states that the medulla appeared "fatter" than normal. More
-data will have to be obtained before it can be determined whether
-characteristic changes occur in scurvy, and how to interpret the
-hypertrophy described by several authors as common to guinea-pig scurvy.
-
-=Pancreas.=--Sato and Nambu appear to be the only investigators who have
-described lesions in the pancreas. They found hemorrhages in one case
-among thirteen.
-
-=Thymus.=--This organ has rarely been examined. Aschoff and Koch found
-no abnormalities in adults, nor did Jacobsthal in a case of infantile
-scurvy. Boerich noted enlargement in one instance.
-
-=Other Organs of Internal Secretion.=--Very little attention has been
-paid to these organs. Aschoff and Koch state that the thyroids and
-hypophyses were normal in their cases.
-
-=Generative Organs.=--No abnormalities have been described.
-
-=Central Nervous System.=--The most frequent abnormality of the central
-nervous system is, as would be expected, hemorrhage; this has been
-discussed in the section dealing with gross pathology. No specific
-changes have been found in nerve-cells or fibres of the brain.
-
-In a case of fatal scurvy in an infant a "focal degeneration of the
-lumbar cord" has been described, extending for a distance of about a
-quarter of an inch (Hess). The lesion differed from that of
-poliomyelitis in the absence of round-celled infiltration and of the
-characteristic changes in the anterior horn cells (Figs. 3 and 4). The
-outstanding feature was a loss of cells in the lateral groups of the
-left anterior horn; there were also fewer nerve fibres in this region,
-but this diminution was less striking. No definite interpretation of
-this case can be made as the data are insufficient to permit a
-conclusion as to whether the lesion was truly scorbutic or the result of
-an associated process. Schoedel and Nauwerk found no change in the
-spinal cord stained by Marchi's method.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 3.--High power. Section of lumbar cord showing
-normal cells in lateral group of right anterior horn.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 4.--High power. Section of lumbar cord showing focal
-degeneration and absence of cells in lateral group of left anterior
-horn.]
-
-=Peripheral Nerves.=--The sheaths of the large nerves as well as those
-of the vessels are very often invaded by hemorrhage. The extravasated
-blood is found to lie around but rarely among the nerve fibres, which do
-not show any pathological alteration. Ingier is one of the very few to
-describe a degeneration of the nerve fibres. In one guinea-pig in which
-scurvy was induced she found "many marked degenerated fibrillar bundles
-of both sciatic and peroneal nerves, slight degeneration of the phrenic
-nerves and one vagus and its cardiac branch." Another animal is referred
-to as having shown "very marked and well-developed degeneration of the
-nerves of the lower extremities." It is open to question whether
-starvation played a rôle in the causation of these lesions. Schoedel and
-Nauwerk, and Aschoff and Koch examined these nerves but failed to find
-any lesions; the latter directed their attention especially to the vagus
-of twenty-two cases.
-
-=Retinal hemorrhages= were found by Jacobsthal, and by Kitamura, who
-records "decided edema of the retina, marked bleeding and circumscribed
-hypertrophy of the nerve fibres" such as is found in albuminuric
-retinitis. These changes are considered again under the symptomatology
-of scurvy.
-
-=Bones.=--Our knowledge of the minute pathology of the bones is far more
-complete and detailed than that of any other structure. This was to be
-expected in view of the fact that this is the only tissue in which the
-lesions are diagnostic. In considering the microscopic pathology it must
-be remembered that all the bones are rarely affected by scurvy, and that
-those that are involved show the scorbutic changes to a varying degree.
-One of the peculiarities of the lesion is that it involves the end of
-the diaphysis or rather the junction of the diaphysis and the cartilage.
-The bones most apt to show typical changes are the ribs; we shall
-therefore describe a section made through a costochondral junction.
-
-The costochondral junction is generally swollen, somewhat beaded, and
-when cut longitudinally shows on gross examination a transverse
-yellowish bar, corresponding to the area of disorganization which will
-be described below. Under the microscope the line of juncture is not
-sharp and straight as is normally the case, but presents a wavy or
-irregular contour, the cartilage jutting into the bony end of the rib,
-instead of abutting in neat apposition to it. The bone is hollowed out
-and irregularly concave, whereas the cartilage presents a convex
-appearance. At the site of the junction is the _Truemmerfeld area_,
-where the normal tissue is splintered and fragmented. Everything in a
-state of disorder--trabeculæ of bone of various shapes and sizes lie
-scattered about, the cells irregularly arranged and much distorted,
-signs of recent hemorrhage, unrecognizable detritus. The picture is that
-of weakened bone having been crushed by the pressure of the more compact
-cartilage. Higher magnification shows that there are few osteoblasts
-(generally associated with the deeper fragments of bone), a varying
-number of intact red cells, according to the occurrence of hemorrhage,
-and occasional spindle- and star-shaped connective-tissue cells.
-Covering this mass of detritus there is frequently, as Aschoff and Koch
-have emphasized, more or less protective fibrin which has undergone some
-hyaline or connective-tissue organization.
-
-The cartilage is also not normal. Its cells do not present an orderly
-arrangement, the proliferating columns having disappeared in the central
-convex portion, and being present to a varying extent near the
-periosteal borders. If we judge from sections of early scurvy in
-guinea-pigs, this disturbance of the columnar formation of the
-proliferating cartilage is one of the early signs of scurvy, and is
-associated with an unevenness and irregularity in shape and size of the
-bone trabeculæ. In young individuals, where cartilage activity is great,
-these changes are most marked and the entire zone of active cells may be
-somewhat widened.
-
-Below the Truemmerfeld is the _Geruestmark or framework marrow_, another
-distinguishing feature of scurvy. This extends for about 5 to 10 mm.
-toward the lymphoid marrow, where it ends more or less abruptly. It is
-composed of a loosely-constructed fibrillar tissue on a
-gelatinous-appearing groundwork, of sparsely scattered cells, and bony
-trabeculæ which are markedly thin and weak. Here and there are
-hemorrhages and blood pigment, especially adjacent to the
-"Truemmerfeld." Another feature which strikes one at first glance is
-that the entire marrow area is incompletely filled by the thin and
-greatly-depleted trabeculæ of the spongiosa. The question has been
-raised whether this rarification is to be considered entirely of
-scorbutic origin. It is due evidently to a lack of function of the
-osteoblasts, which are diminished in number, and are represented by a
-layer of shrivelled spindle cells along the walls of the atrophied bony
-columns. They may fail almost entirely, as may its osteoid border, which
-is significant of active bone tissue. The lack of bony structure and
-rarification clearly is not due to an increase in the number or the
-function of the osteoclasts, for these do not appear in excess. It is
-mainly the result of normal bone resorption with a lack of normal bone
-regeneration. Aschoff and Koch suggest that the framework marrow may be
-able to manufacture bone, but cannot accomplish this because there is a
-lack of material from which to make osteoid tissue. This, they believe,
-constitutes the primary deficiency--a lack or faulty development of
-cement substance, which in turn may depend on an alteration of colloid
-material. Regarded in this light, the lesions of the bones resulting in
-fracture and those of the blood-vessels resulting in rupture and
-hemorrhage are dependent on a deficiency of the same basic material.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 5.--Infantile scurvy. Epiphyseal junction of lower
-end of femur: (a) calcified cartilage at "Truemmerfeld"; (b) hemorrhage
-in the fibrous marrow (Gernest-mark). Bone cortex and trabeculae
-abnormally thin. McCallums' Text Book of Pathology. W. B. Saunders Co.]
-
-Hemorrhage occurs in the bone as elsewhere; it is almost never lacking.
-It appears either as large hemorrhages in the spongiosa, especially
-where the normal marrow joins either the Geruestmark or the
-Truemmerfeld, or merely as scattered cells, possibly the result of
-diapedesis. The blood-vessels in these areas are narrow and extremely
-thin-walled. The most typical site of hemorrhage is beneath the
-periosteum, a lesion widely known on account of its clinical
-significance (Fig. 16). Here the blood may extend for a considerable
-distance along the shaft, but rarely beyond the epiphyseal line. The
-clot forms readily, demonstrating that the nature of the hemorrhage is
-not a defect in coagulation, and in its midst may be seen fibrin,
-pigment, granulation tissue, and more or less firm connective
-tissue--constituting the callus. The inner surface of the periosteum is
-frequently lined with newly-formed bone and with a more or less dense
-deposition of lime salts, which becomes heavier in the course of the
-healing process, and is readily observed in radiographs. This
-periostitis ossificans may result in the clot being surrounded by a
-perfect shell of bone, with bony columns penetrating the deeper layers.
-
-As the result of the lack of bone formation and the consequent weakening
-of the corticalis and the spongiosa, frequently a separation of the
-diaphysis from the epiphysis results. This lesion should not be regarded
-as a true separation, for, as Barlow pointed out, the line of cleavage
-is not at the junction, but below it, involving the uppermost region of
-the diaphysis. It is therefore correct to speak of a fracture or
-infraction. This lesion is generally accompanied by a deformity of the
-surface contour of the junction, due to a displacement of the cartilage,
-as a result of which "angular beading" of the rib is brought about. In
-some instances the cartilage is "telescoped" into the crushed end of the
-bone. To a varying extent fibrin covers the end of the fractured bone;
-the angles adjacent to the periosteum contain blood which becomes
-organized into dense connective tissue, thus serving as a splint for
-the fractured parts. In the course of healing a large number of foreign
-body giant-cells appear, blood-vessels sprout from the periosteum as
-well as the bony surface, and the necrosed tissue gives place to an
-active formation of callus, which generally leads to complete
-regeneration and restitution. It is remarkable how quickly and perfectly
-an epiphysis may become reunited to its shaft (Figs. 6 and 7).
-Sometimes, however, this takes place with resulting deformity, as in the
-development of coxa vara of the femur.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 6.--Posterior-anterior view of shoulder of infant
-(R. S.) 17 months old. Severe scurvy. Subperiosteal hemorrhage of
-humerus, and separation of upper epiphysis.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 7.--Anterior-posterior view of same shoulder (see
-fig. 6) 22 months later. Complete restitution of epiphysis without
-deformity of humerus.]
-
-As Czerny and Keller have stated, it is difficult to define sharply the
-relation of bone fragility to scurvy. Histologically there is great
-similarity between the "osteotabes infantum" described by Ziegler and
-conditions sometimes found in infantile scurvy. The main distinction is
-that in the latter disorder the lesion is less generally distributed
-throughout the skeleton, and is particularly marked in a limited area of
-the bones (epiphyses). In considering this question it should be borne
-in mind that, experimentally, osteoporosis and scurvy can be brought
-about by diets which are absolutely dissimilar. For example, Bartenstein
-showed that young guinea-pigs develop osteoporosis and multiple
-fractures on a diet of raw milk containing an adequate quota of
-antiscorbutic vitamine.
-
-=Rickets= and infantile scurvy are commonly found associated, although
-they bear no causal relationship to each other. The distinctive
-characteristic of rickets is the broad area of osteoid tissue which is
-formed at the epiphyseal junction, a broad band of incompletely
-calcified cartilage not found in scurvy. In the latter disease
-osteoblastic bone growth is greatly inhibited, but what growth does take
-place occurs in a normal and orderly manner. The osteophytes, for
-example, which so commonly develop at right angles to the axis of the
-bone in the subperiosteal hemorrhages, are composed of apparently normal
-bone. Another marked distinction between the two conditions is the
-paucity of blood-vessels in the cartilaginous area and in the marrow in
-scurvy, compared with the increased vascularity so generally encountered
-in rickets. It is evident, therefore, that although these two
-nutritional disorders bear a superficial resemblance to each other
-pathologically, they are radically different and almost antithetical.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-EXPERIMENTAL SCURVY
-
-
-There is no mention whatsoever of scurvy in animals previous to 1895,
-when Theobald Smith wrote: "When guinea-pigs are fed with cereal (it has
-been observed for some years in this laboratory), with bran and oats
-mixed, without any grass, clover, or succulent vegetable, such as
-cabbage, a peculiar disease, chiefly recognizable by subcutaneous
-extravasations of blood, carries them off in from four to eight weeks."
-Smith did not pursue the subject further.
-
-Coincident with the appreciation of the value of experimental methods,
-one would have expected attempts to produce scurvy in animals. The
-disorder had been recognized for a great many years, the fact that it
-was occasioned by a dietary deficient in fresh food was widely known, so
-that it would seem natural for clinicians or laboratory workers to have
-tried to induce the disease in animals by a similar restricted diet.
-There is, however, no suggestion of such an experiment in the voluminous
-literature on scurvy. The explanation of the neglect of an experimental
-study of scurvy appears to be that this was considered a disorder which
-required little investigation--its etiology, its prevention and its cure
-seemed thoroughly understood. It is strange that the mere fact that such
-a severe disturbance responded, as if by magic, to the administration of
-simple foodstuffs should not have awakened curiosity as well as wonder,
-and stimulated inquiry into the nature and significance of the curative
-agent.
-
-In 1903 Bolle published the results of experiments on guinea-pigs which
-had been fed for various periods on raw or sterilized milk. He reported
-that the animals developed a marked fragility of the bones, varying in
-intensity in proportion to the degree of heat to which the milk had been
-subjected. These changes Bolle interpreted as typical scurvy, but it is
-difficult to decide whether the disorder was actually true scurvy, in
-view of the indefinite description of the bone lesions.
-
-Bartenstein repeated Bolle's work and described in detail the changes in
-the bones. From his work we learned that it was of little moment whether
-the animals were fed raw or sterilized milk--their nutrition failed
-within about the same length of time, and they died within a month. The
-chief pathologic change was a marked fragility of the bones, leading to
-spontaneous fractures, or to breaking of the bones in the course of
-ordinary manipulation. Bartenstein described the disorder as "beginning
-with the degeneration of the marrow, and secondarily leading to an
-atrophy of the bone due to increased absorption and deficient new
-formation of bone, especially at the endochondral lines of ossification.
-As the result of the osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures occur without
-noticeable hemorrhagic diathesis." He found a deficiency of calcium in
-the bones of animals suffering from even a mild degree of this disorder.
-Hart and Lessing are of the opinion that we cannot accept Bartenstein's
-diagnosis of scurvy. They compare this disorder to that described by
-Ziegler as "osteotabes infantum," in which there is a more or less
-pronounced "jelly marrow" which has replaced the lymphoid cells in
-scattered areas. They sum up their analysis of the question with the
-statement that "the primary marrow changes in the diaphysis, the marked
-lacunar absorption by osteoclasts, the absence of subperiosteal
-hemorrhages, do not indicate typical scurvy." Schmorl produced
-comparable lesions in dogs and came to the conclusion that the disorder
-was one "very similar" to scurvy but not identical with it, the
-essential difference being that in all animals there was a most marked
-absorption of bone by osteoclasts.
-
-Similar results were obtained by others. In 1904 Peiper and Eichloff
-attempted to produce scurvy in dogs by means of a diet composed
-exclusively of raw or of sterilized milk. The following year we find a
-report by Esser of feeding goats on sterilized milk. None of these
-studies hits the mark; a condition of fragilitas ossium was produced
-rather than typical scurvy.
-
-In 1907 the first systematic and convincing experimental study of scurvy
-appeared. In this year Holst and Froelich published a preliminary
-account of their classic work, undertaken in an endeavor to fathom the
-nature of "ship beriberi," a disorder which disabled so many of the
-sailors in the Norwegian navy. We must remember that until recently
-attention has been focussed on the infectious diseases, and little
-thought given to the investigation of nutritional disorders. Although
-experimental investigation in this field may be stated to have been
-initiated by this work, it in turn had been stimulated by a conception
-of dietary diseases which had just begun to be realized. This new
-viewpoint was the result of the work of Eijkman. As has been mentioned
-in considering the pathogenesis of human scurvy, Eijkman demonstrated
-that hens developed polyneuritis, a disease resembling beriberi, when
-fed on polished rice, and that the simple change to a diet of unpolished
-rice, or the addition of rice polishings to the dietary, sufficed to
-protect or to cure. This work had been repeated and substantiated. It
-was evident to those who considered the question that the old lines of
-thought in regard to food and dietetics inadequately explained
-remarkable phenomena of this kind. It was also clear that nutritional
-disorders were subject to experimental investigation in a way similar to
-the infectious diseases, which were absorbing the interest of the
-various laboratories. It is unnecessary to review the rapid rise of
-investigative work in this field. It may be stated, in general, that
-during the past few years the investigations of scurvy have become so
-numerous that an established research technic may be said to have
-developed in connection with its study.
-
-Attempts have been made to produce scurvy in various animals, but it has
-been brought about regularly only in the guinea-pig and in the monkey.
-Experiments on the dog are as yet too few to justify our regarding this
-animal as definitely available for this study. The nutrition of rats,
-mice, rabbits, hogs, pigeons, fowl, receiving a diet identical with that
-which regularly occasions scurvy in guinea-pigs, either progresses
-normally or a state of malnutrition develops which cannot be identified
-with scurvy. Recently Hart, Steenbock and Smith have reported that
-cattle can be reared to maturity on a diet which will produce scurvy in
-the guinea-pig in four to five weeks. We are therefore confronted with
-the remarkable and inexplicable phenomenon, a fact concurred in by
-almost all investigators, that a diet induces either normal nutrition or
-malnutrition, according to the experimental animal employed. A diet of
-polished rice, or other decorticated grain, will lead to the development
-of scurvy in the guinea-pig, to polyneuritis in the pigeon or fowl, or,
-according to Holst and Froelich, to a combination of these disorders in
-the hog.[35] The basis of these divergent results cannot be surmised,
-and is worthy of the most thorough investigation. It may well be that
-the elucidation of this problem--for example, why we are able to bring
-about scurvy in the guinea-pig but not in the rabbit, will shed light on
-the pathogenesis of this disorder. Are we to conclude that some of these
-animals have the power to synthesize the vitamine whereas others must
-depend upon the food for it, or are we to presuppose an ability to
-maintain normal life and function without any or with a minimal amount
-of this vitamine? The difference between these two groups, the
-susceptible and non-susceptible animals, probably is not as absolute as
-we have been wont to regard it. Recently Harden and Zilva have shown
-that although rats are able to thrive on a diet free from antiscorbutic
-vitamine, they show an appreciable gain in weight when this factor is
-added to the dietary. If such be proved to be the case, we must regard
-the non-susceptibility of the rat, the rabbit, etc., as relative rather
-than absolute.
-
-[35] Hogs fed on 1.5 kg. of rye bread and 0.5 kg. of meat heated to 100°
-or 110° C. for a half hour showed the hemorrhages, loosening of the
-teeth and affections of the gums characteristic of scurvy, as well as
-the paralysis and neuritis typical of polyneuritis.
-
-From time to time a doubt has been raised as to whether we should accept
-guinea-pig scurvy as the counterpart of human scurvy. This question can
-be answered only by comparing the disorder in the one species with that
-in the other--as to mode of production, pathology, symptomatology, means
-of cure and all other phenomena. Viewed from these standpoints it is
-found that in almost every respect the disorder is identical in man and
-in the guinea-pig. The outstanding distinction is the difference in the
-length of time elapsing before the development of symptoms. In the child
-or in the adult it takes about six months of the deficient diet before
-clinical symptoms are manifest and a diagnosis can be established; in
-the guinea-pig the disorder can be recognized two weeks after
-restricting the diet. In the one instance we seem to be dealing with a
-nutritional disorder which is chronic or at least subacute, and in the
-other with a markedly acute condition. This distinction is open,
-however, to certain qualifications. In the first place, we must consider
-the duration of life of the two species, the comparatively short span of
-the guinea-pig compared with that of man. It must be borne in mind,
-furthermore, that the guinea-pig is placed on a diet absolutely devoid
-of all antiscorbutic vitamine, whereas this rarely obtains in human
-beings. For example, the diet which is most markedly scorbutic for
-infants is the "malt soup" previously mentioned, but even this food
-contains an amount of the antiscorbutic factor which is not negligible.
-But after taking these differences into consideration, it is
-nevertheless evident that the guinea-pig is far more sensitive to scurvy
-than man. This does not indicate that the guinea-pig is an unsuitable
-experimental animal, any more than the fact that the pigeon is more
-susceptible to polyneuritis than man indicates that it is unsuited to
-investigations of beriberi. It merely prevents our carrying out delicate
-quantitative experiments, and cautions against drawing too finely-spun
-deductions. In all nutritional investigations it should never be
-forgotten that conclusions drawn from experiments on animals are merely
-provisional, and must await substantiation on man, and, furthermore,
-that where differences in reaction are noted, the clinical data should
-be accorded full consideration.
-
-=Pathogenesis of Guinea-pig Scurvy.=--From a pathogenetic point of view
-guinea-pig scurvy and human scurvy show remarkable points in common. Any
-diet that leads to the development of scurvy in man likewise brings it
-about in the guinea-pig, and contrariwise, any food which cures the
-disorder has the same beneficent effect on both species. This similarity
-extends so far that, as will be shown in the chapter on antiscorbutics,
-the relative potency of the various foods is approximately the same for
-man and for the guinea-pig. The parallelism generally is striking. The
-dietary which has been commonly employed in experimental scurvy has been
-that first suggested by Holst and Froelich, namely, oats, hay and water.
-Recently, however, this dietary has been enlarged in order to make it
-more complete, so as to include adequate protein, water-soluble and
-fat-soluble vitamine, and inorganic salts. To this end the group of
-workers at the Lister Institute (Chick and co-workers, Harden and Zilva)
-place their animals on a basal diet of one part of crushed oats and two
-of wheaten bran, and a daily ration of 50 to 60 c.c. of milk autoclaved
-for one hour at 120° C. This milk still retains a small amount of
-antiscorbutic vitamine. Cohen and Mendel have employed, apparently with
-good result, a "soy bean cracker," containing soy bean flour which has
-been heated for 30 minutes at 15 pounds' pressure (120° C.), 3 per cent.
-of sodium chloride, the same percentage of calcium lactate and of dried
-brewers' yeast, and raw milk sufficient to supply 5 per cent. of
-butter-fat.
-
-The use of raw milk was introduced by Jackson and Moore, and adopted by
-McCollum and Pitz and again by Pitz in a series of interesting
-experiments. The milk was given _ad libitum_. The results of these
-investigations were puzzling at first, until it was shown by Chick, Hume
-and Skelton that the dietary on which they were based contained a
-fundamental error which accounted for their lack of consistence.
-Although milk is not rich in the antiscorbutic factor, it possesses it
-in moderate degree, so that the outcome will be quite different
-according to whether a guinea-pig takes, for example, 50 c.c. or 100
-c.c. daily. It is quite evident, therefore, that a food of this kind
-cannot be offered _ad libitum_, and that if this rule is not observed,
-most disconcerting results will follow.[36] This basic error in framing
-the dietary has made it impossible to accept the deductions of these
-authors. The conclusions of McCollum and Pitz are so striking and have
-led to such wide discussion, that they require consideration, in spite
-of the fact that the error in the dietary is now recognized. These
-authors found that the cæcum of their animals was greatly distended with
-putrefying fæces. As the cæcum is extraordinarily large and delicate in
-this species, they drew the deduction that the development of scurvy in
-the guinea-pig was due principally to the retention of fæces. "An
-impacted cæcum, the seat of putrefaction, may cause injury to the cæcal
-wall, sufficient to permit the invasion of the tissues by bacteria, or
-the animals may perhaps be injured primarily by the absorption of toxic
-products of bacterial origin." Accessory dietary factors or vitamines,
-according to this theory, are supposed to play no part in the disorder,
-and antiscorbutics, such as orange juice, are considered to owe their
-efficacy mainly to their laxative properties, and to be replaceable by
-other laxatives such as phenolphthalein or oleum petrolatum. The
-efficacy of orange juice is supposed to be due to its content of
-citrates, and to be replaceable by what was termed "artificial orange
-juice," a mixture composed of the various salts, citric acid and
-sucrose, in the proportions in which they are found in the natural
-juice.
-
-[36] A guinea-pig requires about 80 to 100 c.c. of fresh milk per diem
-to protect it from manifest scurvy, if this constitutes its sole
-antiscorbutic quota. There is, however, a great difference in the amount
-of milk which individual animals consume, so that if we furnish it _ad
-libitum_ our results will be irregular, one animal developing scurvy and
-another remaining well, according to individual appetite. Frequently
-guinea-pigs take very little milk at first, learning gradually to drink
-more and more, so that it comes to pass that only after some weeks, if
-at all, they take sufficient to afford protection. Under these
-circumstances, if any addition is made to the dietary after the
-experiment has progressed, the lack of development or cure of the scurvy
-may mistakenly be attributed to this newly introduced factor, whereas,
-in point of fact, it is due to an increased consumption of milk.
-
-These reports stimulated renewed interest in experimental scurvy,
-suggesting new aspects, and therefore directing attention to points
-requiring investigation. There were no data at hand on the consistency
-of the contents of the bowel in guinea-pigs, so that it was necessary to
-make appropriate observations in normal and in scorbutic animals. It
-was soon reported by various workers, Rappleye, Cohen and Mendel, Hess
-and Unger, and others, that there was no definite relationship between
-the occurrence of scurvy and impaction of the cæcum. In Fig. 8 we see
-portrayed the stool output of a guinea-pig during the period in which it
-was developing scurvy, and during a subsequent period when it was being
-cured by means of orange juice. It is clear that there was no
-significant variation in the output during these divergent periods. A
-similar conclusion was arrived at by those who examined the cæcums of
-animals postmortem. Cohen and Mendel write: "Summarizing our experience
-with nearly one hundred scorbutic animals, we conclude that actual
-impaction of the fæces in the cæcum occurred in about one-quarter of the
-cases, and visible damage to wall, _i.e._, congestion or hemorrhage, or
-impaction, or both, was found in perhaps half of the cases. It should be
-noted that this statement covers all the diets we have tried." We concur
-in this conclusion. Not infrequently we found the cæcums of markedly
-scorbutic pigs to contain semi-fluid fæces, the consistency of its
-contents depending on the character of the diet, quite apart from its
-adequacy and lack of the antiscorbutic factor. For example, a diet rich
-in milk, containing 100 c.c. or more, led to the formation of rather
-solid fæces; if oats were added to the milk diet the fæces in the cæcum
-were found to be still more solid, and this portion of the gut more
-often impacted. This condition could be detected by palpation even
-during life. Just as we encountered scorbutic animals on an oat, hay and
-water diet, who had semi-fluid fæces in the cæcums, so we met with
-others which were on a milk diet, and showed no signs of scurvy,
-although their cæcums were impacted with fæces of a putty-like
-consistence. Guinea-pigs do not seem to be able to tolerate a diet
-containing a large quantity of the fat of cow's milk. Such a diet leads
-to impaction of the large intestine resulting in death, but does not
-induce scurvy. Jackson and Moore produced a condition of this kind by
-feeding pigs with cream containing 26 to 28 per cent. fat. "In every
-case," they write, "the large intestine was distended with light
-mustard-colored semi-solid fæces." This pathological condition is not
-understood, but is quite distinct from scurvy, and remarkable in view of
-the fact that the milk of the guinea-pig contains as high as 25 per
-cent. of fat. It is an interesting illustration of the marked biological
-difference in the butter-fat of various species.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 8.--Shows a period with the development of scurvy,
-and one where it was cured by giving orange juice. It will be noted that
-there was no marked constipation while the animal had scurvy. During a
-period of a few days the amount of stool was scanty, corresponding to
-the decreased intake of oats and hay on the days preceding. Broken line
-represents clinical course of scurvy.]
-
-Nor was it found, as McCollum and Pitz claimed, that antiscorbutics were
-replaceable by laxatives in the diet. Without entering into the details
-of this aspect of the subject, which will be considered in the chapter
-on symptomatology, it may be stated that attempts to prevent the
-occurrence of scurvy or to cure it by means of laxatives invariably
-failed. Chick, Hume and Skelton, as well as Hess and Unger, gave oleum
-petrolatum to a series of pigs without the slightest favorable effect.
-Hart, Steenbock and Smith recently reported that they had administered 1
-c.c. of this oil on alternate days to one series of pigs, and 2 mg. of
-phenolphthalein on alternate days to another series, without relieving
-the scurvy. Cohen and Mendel, in order to test the adequacy of their
-diet as to roughage, supplemented it with additions of considerable
-filter paper and sawdust, "without averting the appearance of scurvy."
-It is evident, therefore, that constipation does not play an essential
-rôle in the pathogenesis of scurvy in the guinea-pig, and that
-antiscorbutics are by no means synonymous or interchangeable with
-laxatives. These results accord with observations on infantile scurvy.
-
-=The Pathology.=--The pathology of guinea-pig scurvy is essentially that
-of human scurvy. Hemorrhages and separations of the epiphyses or
-fractures of the long bones dominate the macroscopic picture. The
-hemorrhages are found rarely in the gums, but are common about the
-joints, in the muscles of the jaw or in those of the hind legs. They may
-be subcutaneous and appear as bluish discolorations at various parts of
-the body, especially if the disorder has resulted in death or if
-infection has been superadded. On stripping the skin we often note
-hemorrhages in the intercostal muscles, and beading of the ribs at the
-site of the costochondral junctions, least marked in the upper and in
-the floating ribs. This has been frequently described in connection with
-guinea-pig scurvy; its similarity to the rosary of human rickets has
-been drawn attention to recently by Jackson and Moore. It should not be
-regarded as "pseudo-rhachitic," but as typically scorbutic, from a
-microscopic as well as a macroscopic viewpoint. On closer examination a
-yellowish-white transverse line may be seen at the epiphyseal junction
-of the ribs, and frequently some subperiosteal hemorrhage. Beading of
-this character has been reported by Ingier also in the "snuffles" of
-hogs and as the result of trauma. A similar enlargement of the chondral
-junctions of the sternum may be found on examining its posterior
-surface.
-
-_The joints_ of the body always show some changes. The epiphyses are
-enlarged to a variable degree, resembling the epiphyses typical of human
-rickets. As in infants, this change is met with most commonly at the
-wrist joint, involving the ulna and the radius. The knee-joint is
-likewise often involved, especially the ends of the tibia; the elbow,
-ankle, and the shoulder may also show an articular swelling of the
-bones. About these joints hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissues may be
-seen, or edema extending along the extremities. Not infrequently a
-fracture of one of the long bones is found, which may or may not have
-been diagnosed during life. The common site of fracture is the lower
-part of the tibia or fibula. Much more frequent than fractures are
-separations of the epiphyses, which long since have been recognized as
-typical of infantile scurvy. Even gentle handling in the course of
-performing the necropsy may occasion a lesion of this kind--of the tibia
-at the knee, of the radius or ulna at the wrist, or indeed at any of the
-epiphyseal junctions. The infracted ends occasionally may be seen held
-insecurely by a delicate band of periosteum. The shafts of the bones are
-brittle, rarefied, and easily broken.
-
-On opening _the chest_, slight hemorrhages may be noted in the
-pericardium and in the visceral and costal pleuræ. The heart is
-frequently enlarged, and the pericardial sac contains an excess of
-serum; the right ventricle, however, is not found disproportionately
-hypertrophied. Pneumonia is met with very frequently and constitutes a
-common terminal infection.
-
-On opening _the abdomen_ we may note subperitoneal hemorrhages of the
-muscular wall or of the coils of intestine. The liver and spleen are
-generally normal, as is the pancreas. The kidney frequently shows minute
-hemorrhages beneath the capsule and on section.
-
-_The adrenals_ not infrequently are large. This fact was first brought
-out by Rondoni and Montagnani, and is of added interest in view of its
-confirmation by McCarrison as well as by LaMer and Campbell. Its
-significance is discussed at length in the consideration of the adrenal
-gland in human scurvy. In view of the fact that fasting leads to a
-similar hypertrophy, and that guinea-pig scurvy frequently is
-complicated by fasting, these observations should be extended. In all
-investigations of this kind, bacterial cultures should be taken of the
-adrenals, or other organs, to be certain that there is no complicating
-infection.
-
-There have been no reports as to the effect of scurvy on the size of the
-testicles, ovary, thymus, thyroid or parathyroid glands in the
-guinea-pig, such as have been made by McCarrison in relation to avian
-polyneuritis.
-
-_The alimentary tract_ occasionally shows macroscopic changes similar to
-the lesions found in man. The entire canal is frequently very empty,
-especially the stomach and the small intestine, due to the lack of
-appetite for some days previous to death. In the stomach we may find
-areas of congestion or numerous small superficial ulcers surrounded by
-congestion and covered with mucus; occasionally these ulcers are
-somewhat larger and deeper. The larger ulcers are more frequently
-situated in the first part of the duodenum, often proximal to the
-papilla of Vater. Holst and Froelich described this lesion in one of
-their early communications. More common than ulceration of the duodenum
-is a diffuse congestion of its upper part. This lesion is of note
-because it has been described frequently in the protocols of human
-necropsies, and is found in beriberi, in avian polyneuritis, and in
-pellagra in man. Its significance is unknown, and has indeed never been
-discussed.
-
-Lower down in the bowel there are occasionally areas of congestion and
-ulceration, but no section seems particularly predisposed to these
-lesions. The contents of the bowel, especially of the cæcum, as
-mentioned above, depend more on the character of the food than on the
-existence of scurvy. If the diet has consisted of milk and oats, the
-cæcum will be found full and perhaps impacted, whereas if hay and oats
-have been fed, the cæcum will be less full and its contents semisolid.
-
-In view of the fact that many of the animals have taken very little food
-for some days previous to their death, it will be well to describe
-briefly the macroscopic picture of _simple starvation_ in guinea-pigs.
-When guinea-pigs are given only water they live about one week; if
-orange juice is added to this water diet they succumb a little later to
-starvation. Under all these conditions the striking pathologic
-change--absent in scurvy--is edema. It is true that the limbs may show
-slight edema in scurvy, and that the pericardial and the pleural sacs,
-and even the peritoneal cavity, occasionally contain a small quantity of
-serum, but it is comparatively an insignificant amount. Moreover it is
-difficult to decide to what extent this edema is due to scurvy, and to
-what extent to starvation. In typical starvation, on the other hand,
-such as occurs on the limited diets enumerated above, we find marked
-subcutaneous edema, sometimes a true anasarca, and frequently also
-ascites. We are reminded of the "war edema" and its frequent association
-with starvation. Another distinction between the two conditions is the
-fact that the marrow in starvation is yellow and not red as in scurvy.
-In passing, it may be mentioned that the ascites was greater when orange
-juice had been given than where the animal received only water.
-
-In perusing the literature but one study has been noted on _the effect
-of a scorbutic diet on the foetus_. This investigation was carried out
-on a large series of guinea-pigs by Ingier (1915). The following
-comprise her conclusions:
-
-"1. Pronounced cases of Barlow's disease may be produced in the foetus
-as early as ten to fifteen days after the commencement of dieting
-pregnant guinea-pigs with oats and water. There are wide individual
-variations. The scorbutic changes in the skeleton are greatest in the
-earlier embryonic stages. The foetuses of that period, with
-practically no exceptions, die and show marked traces of impeded growth.
-
-"2. Foetuses from the later period of pregnancy are born alive, and
-apparently fully developed, with comparatively slight changes in the
-osseous system.
-
-"3. Even a short extension of the period of extra-uterine dieting on
-milk from scorbutic mothers, and later on oats and water, is sufficient
-to change the latent scurvy into a highly-pronounced case.
-
-"4. The foetus cannot be kept alive longer than the adult animal,
-about twenty-eight days, either by intra-uterine dieting alone or by
-combined intra- and extra-uterine dieting.
-
-"5. The mothers show signs of the disease at an early period and are
-more severely attacked than non-pregnant animals. Death also occurs
-comparatively often in the first period of gestation."
-
-In these experiments intra-uterine fractures, premature births and
-still-born litters are frequently mentioned. This suggests naturally an
-inquiry as to whether similar occurrences have been observed in human
-scurvy. In considering the pathogenesis of human scurvy, we have
-remarked on the meagreness of the data on this most interesting aspect
-of this disorder. In view of the similarity between human and guinea-pig
-scurvy, we should expect not only miscarriages and still-births to
-result, but cases of congenital scurvy, especially of the latent or
-rudimentary type.
-
-=Scurvy Has Been Induced Also in the Monkey.=--The most extensive
-investigation of this kind is that of Hart and Lessing, who brought
-about scurvy in several young Macaci Rhesi which had been fed for some
-months on boiled condensed milk with the addition of cooked rice and
-pig-nuts. Typical scurvy resulted in all but one instance, and in this
-case an old animal was used and a different pathological picture
-developed. These experiments require brief reviewing, as the clinical
-signs and gross pathology in monkeys differ somewhat from those
-encountered in guinea-pigs, and particularly as these distinctions
-render scurvy in monkeys and in infants practically identical.
-
-Apart from general listlessness and lack of activity, the first sign is
-hemorrhage of the gums, the characteristic sign of infantile scurvy.
-This is stated to be constant; in the guinea-pig it is most exceptional.
-Another sign characteristic of infantile scurvy is the subperiosteal
-hemorrhage, which in the guinea-pig may be found as a small effusion
-near one of the larger joints or the costochondral junctions, but in the
-monkey consists of large effusions, similar to those described by
-Barlow. Subperiosteal hemorrhages of the cranial bones were constantly
-seen, and not infrequently involvement of the scapula and of the
-maxilla. Hemorrhage into the orbit leading to exophthalmos and to
-hemorrhagic discoloration of the upper lid--a lesion not infrequent in
-human scurvy--is also described; in guinea-pigs we have met with
-exophthalmos only in two instances. In all other respects scurvy in the
-monkey resembles that in the guinea-pig, even to the extent of the
-scorbutic rosary of the lower true ribs. Hart and Lessing describe the
-presence of the "white line" of Fraenkel, which is referred to at length
-in treating of the symptomatology of human scurvy. This is a shadow,
-seen by means of the X-ray, traversing the long bones near their
-epiphyses--a definite "shadow band" associated with a narrow light zone
-lying just beneath it. This "white line" has been noted likewise by
-Talbot, Dodd and Peterson in the scurvy of monkeys.
-
-=Microscopic Pathology.=--Turning to the microscopic pathology, we find
-that the changes are similar to those described elsewhere in connection
-with human scurvy. It will be unnecessary, therefore, to give more than
-a general survey of the typical alterations. Little has been added to
-the description of lesions so carefully depicted in the first report of
-Holst and Froelich (1907). The bone marrow at the ends of the diaphyses
-in proximity to the epiphyseal junction loses its normal lymphoid
-character and is replaced by a reticular or fibrillated substance, the
-so-called "framework" marrow (Geruestmark of Schoedel and Nauwerk)
-containing a homogeneous mucoid tissue and only a few osteoblasts and
-marrow cells. The number of blood-vessels is considerably reduced and
-fresh hemorrhage or blood pigment is frequently seen. The osseous tissue
-itself shows marked changes, corresponding to the rarification and
-brittleness noted on gross examination. The osseous trabeculæ are fewer
-in number and those which remain are slender and irregular, and
-frequently appear as isolated islets. The cortical substance also
-becomes very thin. There are marked alterations in the intermediate
-cartilages, especially of the ribs.[37] Instead of the cells being
-arranged in orderly rows, they are irregularly placed, and frequently
-greatly reduced in size and number. The bone trabeculæ on which they
-abut are not well formed or of equal length, and do not present an even
-and transverse plane, but are misshapen, small, so that the line of
-junction with the cartilage is zigzag. In cases of marked scurvy the
-junction may be entirely disorganized and deformed, showing fractures of
-the rarefied bone and hemorrhages in the neighborhood. This leads
-frequently to a macroscopic deformity of bone, a bulging of the surface
-at the costochondral junction--the scorbutic "beading" or "rosary" of
-the ribs. Recently Delf and Tozer have described these changes,
-classifying them as those occurring in "incipient," "definite," "acute,"
-"chronic definite," and "chronic acute" scurvy. Fig. 9 shows these types
-in diagrammatic form. In this figure we see how varied may be the
-manifestations of this nutritional disorder, according to whether it has
-existed for a shorter or a longer time; in some instances the picture is
-very puzzling. The "incipient scurvy" corresponds to what we have termed
-clinically "latent scurvy" in infants, a condition which cannot be
-diagnosed and is manifested merely by a faulty nutrition which responds
-promptly to the addition of an antiscorbutic to the diet. There have
-been no histologic examinations in man at this incipient stage, but we
-may infer that they are similar to the bony changes found in the
-guinea-pig. When the scurvy has become chronic in an animal which has
-lived for months on a quota of antiscorbutic food sufficient to preserve
-life but insufficient to prevent the development of scurvy, we find a
-microscopic picture at the costochondral junction differing widely from
-that seen in the acute stage. Not only are the columns of cartilage
-cells represented merely by misshapen vestiges, but an ossified band
-(Fig. 9) is seen at the junction. It is probable that this is
-frequently the cause of the marked cessation of growth which has been
-described in connection with this type of scurvy in infants. Delf and
-Tozer interpret this ossified band at the junction as "an attempt to
-strengthen the junction in an abnormal manner, the normal process having
-broken down." If the animal is again deprived of antiscorbutic food the
-ossified band breaks down, the junction becomes deformed and
-disorganized, and a condition of "chronic scurvy (acute)" is stated to
-have developed.
-
-[37] These changes are not found in every specimen, so that in order to
-be able to exclude scurvy definitely, it is necessary to examine a
-considerable number of ribs; several may be normal, only one or two
-showing the characteristic microscopic changes.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 9.--Diagrammatic representation of guinea-pig scurvy
-(copied from Delf and Tozer by the courtesy of the Cambridge Press).
-
-1. Diagram of normal rib-junction.
-
-2. Diagram of rib-junction to illustrate "Incipient Scurvy." This
-rib-junction is very nearly normal, but shows what may be regarded as
-the first recognizable signs of the onset of the disease; these are:
-(_a_) An appearance of general abnormality (when compared with the
-normal). (_b_) Unevenness of the junction and slight disorganization of
-the rows of cartilage cells. (_c_) Shortening of the length of the rows
-of cartilage cells. (_d_) Shortening, and decrease in number of the
-trabeculæ. (_e_) Increased amount of blood in the marrow cavity.
-
-3. Diagram of rib-junction to illustrate "Definite Scurvy." Histological
-signs vary considerably in these cases (according to the severity of the
-disease), and may approach in appearance those characteristic of the
-"Acute" condition. The rows of cartilage cells may be almost normal, but
-are more often noticeably shortened and usually somewhat disorganized or
-arranged in circular groups. The trabeculæ are usually about half the
-normal length and have a truncated appearance. The junction as a whole
-may present an uneven, slightly disorganized appearance and there is
-sometimes a certain amount of macroscopic deformity.
-
-4. Diagram of rib-junction to illustrate "Acute Scurvy." In these cases
-the junction and rows of cartilage cells are often completely
-disorganized, causing a marked macroscopic deformity of the bone. The
-bone of the shaft is frequently fractured. The marrow is no longer in
-contact with the edge of the junction and the space is filled with a
-mass of connective tissue; this is very characteristic in cases of
-fracture. A condition in which the trabeculæ have almost disappeared and
-the rows are much shortened is also found in "Acute Scurvy," in those
-ribs in which no fracture of the shaft has occurred; usually, however,
-there is little or no ossification across the junction. There is
-frequently hemorrhage into the marrow cavity.
-
-Diagrams 5 and 6 illustrate types of "Chronic Scurvy."
-
-5. May be described as "Chronic Definite Scurvy." The rows are much
-shortened but not disorganized and an ossified band extends across the
-junction.
-
-6. May be described as "Acute Chronic Scurvy." The junction is deformed,
-and the rows are very disorganized; the trabeculæ have disappeared and
-an ossified band extends across the junction. There is no connective
-tissue to be seen and no existing, or recent, fracture.]
-
-It has been noted by many investigators that _changes in the teeth_ take
-place in the course of scurvy. They become somewhat yellow and lose
-their glistening appearance, and occasionally break off. The molars
-commonly become loosened, so that they can readily be removed from their
-alveolar sockets; less frequently this is true of the incisors. Until
-recently, however, this subject has not been studied in detail, and no
-significant histologic changes in the teeth have been described. Jackson
-and Moore showed that with marked changes in the teeth there was often
-"great dilatation of the veins in the pulp attended by more or less
-hemorrhage into the pulp," and that "in guinea-pigs fed on oats and hay
-there was almost complete necrosis of the pulp of the incisor teeth,
-also more or less necrosis in the pulp of the molars."
-
-Recently an intensive study of this subject has been made by Zilva and
-Wells, which is of special interest because it describes the first
-beginnings of these lesions, and particularly because we have no
-knowledge whatsoever of the dental changes which occur in human scurvy.
-These investigators found a fibroid degeneration of the pulp of the
-teeth, a pulpar fibrosis. "It is clear at once," they write, "and it is
-an important fact that no trace of cellular organization, no trace of
-cell nuclei, no trace of interstitial cement substances can be found
-anywhere. Nerves, cells, blood-vessels, and odontoblasts have all shared
-the process of fibrication and are no longer recognizable." These
-radical changes in the teeth, brought about by a deficiency of
-antiscorbutic vitamine, were demonstrated not only in guinea-pigs but
-also in monkeys. In some instances they were found where a histologic
-examination of the costochondral junctions showed nothing abnormal.
-"Profound changes were recorded where the scorbutic changes during life
-were so slight as to be almost unrecognizable," and, they continue, "the
-mildest degree of scurvy which could just be discovered at the
-postmortem examination produced well-defined changes in the structure of
-the teeth." If this work is confirmed, we must consider the teeth as one
-of the first tissues of the body to be affected by scurvy. The authors
-quite rightly raise the question whether the teeth of young children may
-not likewise be injured by a deficiency of antiscorbutic vitamine,
-whether this may not play a rôle in the dental caries so prevalent
-among civilized communities. It is evident, they state, that such
-transient conditions of infantile scurvy as have been described by Hess
-as "subacute" or "latent" scurvy, may occur more often than is usually
-suspected, and may reasonably be expected to influence dentition. It
-seems quite possible that the caries of the permanent teeth is due not
-only to infantile rickets but also to infantile scurvy.
-
-Besides the typical histologic changes in the bones there are
-alterations in _other organs_ which require mention. All investigators
-have found a degeneration of the muscles, showing a loss of their
-striations, swelling of the fibres, and the presence of
-irregularly-distributed vacuoles and granules. The interstitial tissue
-frequently is permeated with edema, as we should expect from gross
-appearances. Holst and Froelich have reported a fatty degeneration of
-the heart muscle, as well as of the epithelium of the mucous membrane of
-the glands of the stomach and of the intestine. Hart and Lessing, in
-their protocols of necropsies on monkeys, describe an interesting lesion
-associated with the degenerated muscle fibres--a collection of granules
-staining deep blue with hæmatoxylin and dissolving on the addition of
-acid. These granules, interpreted as being composed of calcium, were
-found in the muscles of the limbs, of the tongue, and in the heart. It
-is reasonable to attribute their formation to an absorption of bone
-throughout the body. Similar calcium deposits were seen frequently in
-the adrenal glands, in their cortex, or at the border of the cortex and
-medulla. This lesion gains special interest in view of the calcium
-deposits described so frequently in connection with mercurial poisoning,
-more particularly as the symptoms of scurvy and of this toxic condition
-have marked clinical resemblances.
-
-There has been but little histologic investigation of the _nerves_ in
-experimental scurvy. In fact, the only systematic study of the kind is
-that of Holst and Froelich, whose attention was drawn to this field in
-an attempt to solve the relationship between scurvy and ship beriberi.
-These writers found a true Wallerian polyneuritis in only two pigs, one
-of which had been fed on wheat bread made with yeast, and the other on
-decorticated barley. In many instances, however, there was extensive
-degeneration of the axis cylinders without degeneration of the sheaths.
-They do not, however, attribute great importance to these changes, as
-the same lesions were found in the nerves of animals fed on cabbage and
-fresh potatoes. In view of the confusing reports on the nerves of birds
-in experiments on polyneuritis, one cannot be too careful in drawing
-conclusions from histologic studies of this kind.
-
-In the study by Jackson and Moore on experimental scurvy in guinea-pigs,
-the histology of _the blood-vessels_ is carefully considered. "Marked
-thinning of the wall" was found and depicted; "the wall as a whole had
-partially melted away, leaving few traces." These parts of the wall
-contained many small round bodies resembling cocci, which were stained a
-deep blue by the Wright and the Giemsa methods. These bodies were
-present also in the lumen of the vessel and in the inner layers of the
-more normal portions of the wall. In addition to such changes in the
-veins, "lesions having the shape, location, and characteristics of
-infarcts, were found in the ends of the diaphyses of the long bones." As
-a result of this pathologic picture the authors are of the opinion that
-they may have been dealing with a mild infection. This is quite
-possible, as scurvy tends to render the tissues less resistant to the
-entrance of bacteria. We believe, however, that even if such were the
-case, the phenomenon must be regarded merely as secondary in its
-relation to the pathogenesis of scurvy.
-
-Following the study on the pathology of experimental scurvy, Jackson and
-Moore undertook to determine primarily whether the small stained bodies
-seen in the sections of the scurvy lesions were bacteria. This
-investigation has been cited frequently as presenting cogent evidence in
-favor of the _infectious nature of scurvy_, so that it will be necessary
-to consider it fully; the general question of whether scurvy is a
-bacterial infection is discussed under the consideration of etiology.
-
-As is well known, Morpurgo, a generation ago, claimed to have produced
-rhachitic lesions in young rats by means of artificial infection with a
-gram-positive diplococcus. Pappenheimer brought about similar lesions in
-rats by the injection of a suspension of bone marrow from a rhachitic
-animal. Koch injected a streptococcus longus intravenously into young
-dogs, occasioning gross bony changes of the epiphyses and costochondral
-junctions, and microscopic changes resembling scurvy--an irregular line
-of ossification and "a framework" marrow, which, however, showed regions
-of osteoid. Jackson and Moody were able to isolate from the crushed
-tissue of their guinea-pigs "a diplococcus of low virulence with a
-tendency to form chains and produce green (color) on blood agar." Pure
-strains of these organisms inoculated into the circulation of
-guinea-pigs and rabbits, living under ordinary conditions (a mixed diet
-consisting of green vegetables, hay and oats), gave rise in most
-instances to hemorrhagic and other lesions in the bones, joints,
-muscles, lymph-glands or gums. Hemorrhages were found beneath the
-periosteum in the region of the lower incisor teeth and the acetabulum
-and ribs. These results are far from constituting evidence in favor of
-the microbic origin of scurvy. They show merely that the tissues of
-scorbutic animals frequently harbor bacteria, and that injections of
-these bacteria will bring about hemorrhages which may be subperiosteal
-in character. They are open to the specific criticism that scurvy was
-produced readily in the rabbit, an animal which otherwise does not
-develop scurvy, and, furthermore, they differ from feeding experiments
-in inciting scurvy notwithstanding the fact that the animals were
-receiving an antiscorbutic diet (green vegetables). Cultures of the
-hearts' blood of the affected animals were sterile in every instance; a
-result obtained likewise by Holst and Froelich.
-
-Further studies of this kind should be carried out and should include
-cultures of the blood and tissues of guinea-pigs in the various stages
-of scurvy, especially the early stage. In addition, a histologic study
-should be made of the bones of animals injected with bacteria
-(preferably streptococci), in order to ascertain whether notwithstanding
-an unrestricted diet, typical lesions can be produced by this means.
-
-For further details of the pathology of scurvy, the reader is referred
-to the chapter on human pathology.
-
-=Symptoms.=--Let us consider the symptomatology of guinea-pig scurvy. In
-the course of an observation of many hundreds of animals we have been
-struck by the striking uniformity of the signs and symptoms. The animals
-made use of were almost invariably of moderate size, weighing from 200
-to 300 grams. Where heavier pigs were employed the disease progressed
-less rapidly, but the signs were the same; they were, however, more
-difficult to elicit, owing to the subcutaneous fat. Most of the animals
-were on a diet of hay, oats and water _ad libitum_, but there was no
-variation in symptoms where fat and fat-soluble vitamine were supplied
-by an addition of egg yolk or of cod liver oil, or where egg albumen was
-fed to render the protein adequate, or where the inorganic salts were
-supplemented by additions of sodium or calcium chloride.
-
-There is a variability in the sign which signalizes the onset of the
-disorder--sometimes it consists of a flattening of the weight curve, at
-others of an inordinate excitability of the animal, or frequently of a
-tender joint, generally a wrist. The joints almost invariably become
-tender early in the disease, causing the animal to wince and cry when it
-is examined. Accompanying this tenderness there is often slight swelling
-due to edema, or perhaps some hemorrhage, which alters the sharp,
-clean-cut contour of the joint. This edema may extend upward along the
-tendon sheaths. Soon the animal becomes lethargic rather than nervously
-active, and may look ill, as manifested by a roughness of its coat and
-its unnatural posture. Frequently it sits on three legs with the tender
-hind leg drawn upward and outward so as to escape pressure--a posture
-termed by Chick, Hume and Skelton (1918, 2) "_the scurvy position_," and
-indicative of hemorrhage into the joints or muscles. At times it lies
-curled up, with the side of its face resting on the floor, as if to
-support its painful or sensitive jaw; this they have termed the
-"_face-ache position_." The two diagnostic signs, however, are the
-hemorrhages about the joints and the loosening of the teeth. The
-diagnosis frequently can be established by the twelfth to the fourteenth
-day; the earliest diagnosis was made on the eighth day. Hemorrhages
-appear somewhat later than tenderness, and are situated at the joints,
-most frequently at the knee, which may be markedly swollen and show a
-bluish or reddish discoloration, extending upward or downward for some
-distance. Other joints are often involved, frequently the wrist, the
-ankle or the shoulder. In other cases hemorrhages into the muscles are
-noted, especially of the leg or of the thigh, and later, especially
-toward the end, hemorrhages from the bowel. Fractures or separations of
-the epiphyses may be found on examination or may be occasioned by the
-physical examination. A frequent site of this lesion is at the wrist or
-at the knee, involving the head of the tibia or the lower end of the
-femur. These fractures knit rapidly when an antiscorbutic is given, but
-result at times in deformity.
-
-_Loosening of the teeth_ is another typical sign. It is, however, one
-which does not appear early and is somewhat difficult to elicit. The
-molar teeth are generally involved, especially those of the upper jaw,
-which may be so completely separated from their alveolar sockets that
-they can readily be removed by forceps. It is, however, impossible to
-examine the molar teeth satisfactorily during life. Far less frequently
-an incisor tooth becomes loosened; more often it loses its glistening
-appearance and looks dull and yellowish. Occasionally an incisor tooth
-fractures. The gums are rarely altered sufficiently to aid diagnosis;
-not infrequently they are congested or bluish, rarely hemorrhagic, and
-never ulcerous or spongy. This is the chief difference between the
-symptomatology of scurvy in the guinea-pig and in man, and probably is
-the result of lesser susceptibility of the former to infection by
-pyogenic bacteria. In general, however, the disorder in the guinea-pig
-bears a closer analogy to infantile than to adult scurvy; due to the
-fact, possibly, that young pigs are generally used for the experiments.
-
-A sign of great interest, although not of diagnostic importance, is the
-_"beading" of the ribs_ noted by many observers, and emphasized by
-Jackson and Moore. It has been described also in monkeys by Hart and
-Lessing. This is an enlargement or swelling of the costochondral
-junctions of the ribs, especially of the lower true ribs. It corresponds
-clinically to the "beading" and the "rosary" so characteristic of
-infantile rickets and mistakenly termed the "rhachitic rosary." As
-pointed out, in discussing the symptomatology and pathology of human
-scurvy, this sign must be regarded as truly scorbutic in animals as well
-as in infants. The "rosary" is difficult to palpate in pigs which have
-considerable subcutaneous tissue; in thin animals, however, its course
-can be followed, the gradual development and subsequent disappearance.
-In this connection the enlargement of the epiphyses must be mentioned,
-another sign supposed to be characteristic of rickets in infants. Marked
-swelling of the wrists is frequently encountered in guinea-pigs
-suffering from scurvy--a bony enlargement involving the lower epiphyses
-of the ulna and of the radius. This is met with far more commonly in
-chronic scurvy than in the usual acute case. Where the disorder has
-existed for a long period, these bony knobs may persist indefinitely,
-constituting the sole residual sign of a former scorbutic condition.
-
-The relation of _loss of weight_ to the development of the scurvy
-requires consideration. In experiments carried out on rats to test the
-diets in respect to the water-soluble and the fat-soluble vitamines, the
-weight curve is used as the main criterion to judge whether the
-foodstuff is adequate. In guinea-pigs we cannot employ the weight curve
-as a criterion. Not infrequently an animal develops scurvy, and
-nevertheless does not lose in weight, but even gains slowly and
-steadily. This occurs when the appetite remains good, and the dietary is
-complete except for antiscorbutic vitamine. The same holds true for
-human scurvy, as we have noted in connection with the symptomatology. We
-have attempted to make up for this defect by adding to the charts a
-curve representing the clinical course (Fig. 10). Although this curve is
-computed on an empirical basis, it gives a comparatively true picture of
-the disease and is far more exact than attempting to portray the disease
-by means of a weight curve.[38] Indeed, when we rely on the latter
-method it is impossible frequently to illustrate graphically the
-reaction of guinea-pigs to various influences. Another disadvantage of
-the weight curve is that it is influenced by factors having no direct
-relation to scurvy, especially infections of various types which retard
-the gain.
-
-[38] A maximum count of 35 was formulated, representing the highest
-degree of clinical scurvy. This includes three grades of beading of the
-ribs, four of tenderness of each knee and wrist joint, and four of
-swelling of each of these joints. It is apparent from the clinical curve
-(Fig. 10) that an animal may have developed a marked degree of scurvy
-(20 points), and gained rather than have lost in weight.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 10.--Hay, oats, and water _ad libitum_ during period
-I resulted in a lack of gain in weight, and in a development of scurvy.
-During period II, 1.5 c.c. of orange juice were given daily, and as will
-be seen there was a marked gain in weight and disappearance of the
-scorbutic signs, although, as is generally the case, they continue to
-develop for a short while after an antiscorbutic is given. When the
-orange juice was discontinued in the third period, the weight once more
-fell and the scurvy redeveloped. The broken line represents the course
-of the scurvy, and is a composite formed on the basis of the aggregate
-of the scorbutic signs. Each square represents a 2-day interval.]
-
-Guinea-pigs generally die of scurvy after having lost about one-third of
-their body weight; occasionally the loss is greater, reaching almost 50
-per cent. This loss is due partly to the scorbutic condition, but to a
-greater extent to starvation occasioned by a marked lack of appetite. In
-this connection it may be noted that guinea-pigs frequently lose for a
-few days following the addition of an antiscorbutic to the dietary (Fig.
-11). This reaction is evident from a perusal of the weight charts of
-other investigators, and occurs likewise in human scurvy. This loss is
-accompanied, as Gerstenberger has pointed out, by diuresis, which may be
-so marked that it is evident to the casual observation of those caring
-for the animals.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 11.--These guinea-pigs developed scurvy in spite of
-receiving a large quantity of the water in which young carrots had been
-cooked for only 20 minutes. It will be noted, however, that although the
-pigs developed scurvy they did not lose weight, as is usually the case.
-After they had developed definite scurvy they were given in addition the
-equivalent of 80 c.c. of a dried milk prepared by being heated to about
-116° C. for a few seconds. The addition of this milk to the diet cured
-the scurvy, showing that it had largely retained its antiscorbutic
-vitamine.]
-
-Exophthalmos may be mentioned again in this connection as a very rare
-sign of guinea-pig scurvy. Hæmaturia also occurs at times; it is not
-known how frequently it is present, whether it is an early manifestation
-in the guinea-pig as in the infant, or whether the source of the blood
-is the kidney or the bladder.
-
-The superficial lymphatic glands are frequently palpable in scurvy,
-especially those in the inguinal region. This sign is emphasized by some
-pathologists. It has seemed to us attributable less to the nutritional
-condition than to the infections which so frequently complicate the
-disorder.
-
-According to Jackson and Moore a rise of temperature does not accompany
-scurvy in the guinea-pig. As the result of an examination of nine
-guinea-pigs they conclude that "experimental scurvy is a non-febrile
-disease in the majority of affected animals." Nor did they find a
-leucocytosis, the average leucocyte count of eight scorbutic pigs being
-about 8000.
-
-As the data are meagre, a consideration of the chemical alterations
-associated with the scurvy of guinea-pigs and monkeys will be taken up
-in conjunction with the metabolism of human scurvy. The therapy of
-animal scurvy will also be deferred (chapter VI), as the reaction to
-dietetic measures is practically the same in man and in animals. In
-concluding this chapter we would call attention to the following
-interesting statement contained in the recent paper by Delf and Tozer:
-"In other experiments, however, where a liberal supply of an
-antiscorbutic was given and where the fat-soluble A growth factor was
-known to be deficient, the resulting histological changes in the
-rib-junctions of the animals examined were found to resemble closely
-those of 'Definite' or of 'Definite Chronic' scurvy. In these test cases
-the antiscorbutic chosen was, we believed, deficient in the fat-soluble
-A growth factor (for example, orange juice). This fact is mentioned
-because in the case of an animal not receiving an adequate supply of
-fat-soluble A the resulting changes in the junctions are not dissimilar
-from, and are likely to be confused with, those caused by scurvy alone."
-If this observation is confirmed, it emphasizes the necessity in
-nutritional experiments, of constructing a dietary which is complete in
-every respect except the one under investigation; it also suggests the
-development of new pathologic entities in relation to other nutritional
-disorders resulting from a lack of the accessory food factors.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-ANTISCORBUTIC FOODS
-
-
-=Historical Review.=[39]--It is impossible to state when and how the
-knowledge of the value of antiscorbutic foodstuffs came to be
-appreciated. It is probable that the potency of herbs and fruits in
-scurvy was known empirically to individuals and groups of people long
-before the fact gained general recognition. A most interesting history
-of antiscorbutics is given in the excellent work of Hirsch and in our
-great classic on scurvy by Lind. The first realization of the value of
-lemons and oranges seems to have been the result of a chance discovery.
-Budd tells us that in the sixteenth century sailors of a Dutch sailing
-vessel laden with these fruits were attacked with scurvy, and that, when
-they partook of the lemons and oranges in the cargo, a miraculous cure
-resulted. He narrates also the following striking incident, which is
-mentioned likewise by Lind:
-
-[39] It is of interest that John Hall, the son-in-law of Shakespeare,
-and a prominent physician of Warwickshire, was one of the first to urge
-the use of antiscorbutics. In a quaint work entitled, "Select
-Observations on English Bodies, or Cures both Empericall and Historical"
-(1657 London), he describes how he cured scurvy by means of brewing a
-beer or ale from "Scorbutick hearbs, _viz._: scurvy grass, water-cresses
-and brook lime." This book, which ran through at least two editions, has
-not achieved the popularity of the works of the father-in-law.
-
-In the year 1600 four sailing vessels left England for the East Indies.
-The sailors on three of these ships did not receive lime juice, whereas
-those on the fourth received their daily quota. The men of the first
-three ships suffered severely from scurvy, but those on the fourth
-escaped.
-
-In an excellent work on "Scorvey," published in 1685, Harvey wrote:
-"Wherefore most acids, especially spirit of salt marine, juice of
-sorrel, limons, citrons, etc., are so deservedly extolled in some
-scorbutic distempers and seconded with good success." Thus we see that
-even at this early date it was taken for granted that citrous fruits
-possessed virtue in curing scurvy. Bachstrom (Observationes circa
-Scorbutum, 1734) evidently was well-acquainted with the antiscorbutic
-value of scurvy grass, and relates the story of a sailor severely
-disabled from scurvy who was put ashore to perish on Greenland, and
-crawled on the ground, grazed on scurvy grass like a beast of the field,
-and was able to return home perfectly recovered. (Cited from Lind.)
-
-The credit for forcing a general acceptance of the antiscorbutic value
-of fresh food belongs to Lind. He did not, however, have an easy task,
-and in 1747, in order to convince those who still were skeptical, he
-resorted to an experiment on human beings. Twelve patients in his
-hospital were given the same diet, except that some received sea-water
-in addition to their dietary, others vinegar, or elixir of sulphuric
-acid, or a daily portion of cider, or oranges and one lemon daily. The
-last two groups, as we should expect, recovered quickly; one man who
-received cider improved, but in no other case was any alleviation noted.
-
-Lind extols the value of lemons and oranges, of berries, of sour
-cabbage, of cider, and of all fresh fruits and vegetables. In spite of
-the fact, however, that Lind's teaching was based on an experience with
-thousands of patients suffering from scurvy in the naval hospital, his
-ideas did not take root. It required an event which came directly under
-the official eye to bring about radical changes in the diet of the
-sailors. In 1795 the English Fleet suffered from a severe epidemic of
-scurvy, which was finally controlled by giving the sailors fresh
-vegetables and fruit. This therapeutic result was so convincing that
-thenceforth a daily ration of lime juice was ordered for the sailors and
-a regular issue provided for the navy. This marks the cessation of
-scurvy as a scourge of the British navy. From this time the disease
-appeared only sporadically. The sharp decrease in the incidence can be
-appreciated by Budd's statement that 1457 cases of scurvy were admitted
-to the Royal Naval Hospital in 1780, whereas in 1810 an English
-physician reported that in the seven preceding years he had not treated
-a single patient in this hospital suffering from scurvy. In another
-marine hospital, between the years 1806 and 1810, only two cases of
-scurvy were admitted.
-
-Nothing was done for the British merchant service until over half a
-century later, although scurvy continued to make its appearance among
-the sailors with varying severity. Smith states in the article on this
-subject in Allbutt's System of Medicine: "In 1864 it was pointed out by
-Doctor Barnes that during the twelve years following 1851, 1058 cases of
-scurvy had been admitted into the hospital ship _Dreadnought_." In 1854
-a law was passed requiring every vessel to carry an adequate supply of
-lime juice. This law, however, failed in effect, due to the fact that a
-large part of the lime juice was adulterated. A new shipping-act was
-passed, therefore, in 1867, with the object of preventing adulterations,
-at the same time increasing the daily quota for each seaman from half an
-ounce to one ounce.
-
-It may be of interest to add a few words concerning certain
-antiscorbutics which have been under discussion or recognized for so
-many years that they have acquired an historical aspect. One of these
-foodstuffs is sauerkraut, which was recognized by Lind in 1772 as having
-particular potency in this disease. It is interesting to note, in this
-connection, that this writer appreciated the close relationship of
-acidity to antiscorbutic virtue. "One quality," he writes, "entering the
-most perfect antiscorbutic composition is a vegetable accescency." He
-prized sauerkraut for its inherent value, and particularly, because he
-found that "sour cabbage will keep for an East-India voyage."
-
-The famous navigator Cook, whose voyages were remarkable for the freedom
-from illness which his sailors enjoyed and the absence of scurvy, always
-kept a large supply of sauerkraut on hand. It was believed by many that
-the immunity of the Dutch seamen to scurvy was due to their large
-consumption of this vegetable. As the result of this empirical
-knowledge, the English navy in 1780 introduced the use of sauerkraut
-into its ration. As just noted, however, this antiscorbutic was
-supplanted some few years later by an issue of lime juice.
-
-It is common knowledge that outbreaks of scurvy follow closely upon a
-failure of the potato crop. This has been particularly the case in
-Ireland, where it was especially evident in relation to the great
-epidemic of scurvy in 1847. Holst and Froelich inform us that "all
-scurvy epidemics in Norway in the nineteenth and beginning of this
-century followed failure of the potato crop." Nor is this danger past.
-In an article entitled "The Rôle of Antiscorbutics in Our Dietary," the
-author recently reported that the partial failure of the potato crop in
-the eastern part of the United States led to the development of scurvy
-in numerous institutions, in one of which over 200 cases of definite
-scurvy developed in the spring (1916).
-
-The occurrence of scurvy in the navy and on sailing vessels has been
-associated in the minds of many with the large amounts of salted meat
-which necessarily was included in the dietary. It was evident that meat
-that was salted had no antiscorbutic value, but the query has been
-raised whether eating a considerable amount of salted meat did not
-induce scurvy. Lind mentions "flesh long salted" as leading to the
-development of scurvy. The question of the value of meat as an
-antiscorbutic is of importance at the present time, chiefly in
-connection with Polar expeditions and army rations. As the result of an
-outbreak of scurvy in the Polar expedition of 1875-6, a British Arctic
-Survey Committee was appointed to make an investigation. In 1877 it
-reported that "although the scurvy was due to the absence of lime juice
-from the sledge dietaries, meat in large amounts is able to prevent the
-disease." Stefánsson also emphasized the value of meat in preventing
-scurvy in the Polar regions. In his expeditions he has found that raw
-meat, if taken in sufficient quantity, is able to afford complete
-protection. Jackson, who lived for some years among the Samoyeds, tells
-us that this tribe, owing to the fact that they consumed considerable
-reindeer meat, never suffered from scurvy in spite of the fact that they
-ate no vegetables or fresh fruit during the winter.
-
-The following account, a personal communication from Dr. Harrison J.
-Hunt, who spent four years in the Arctic regions, is of interest in this
-connection:
-
-"For some four years I was with the Smith Sound Eskimos, on the
-northwest coast of Greenland. These people get nothing but animal food
-normally, and have lived that way for many generations, yet are healthy,
-of good physique, and are normal in other ways. Scurvy was unknown to
-them as far as I could ascertain; certainly there was none while I was
-among them. Much of their meat is eaten raw, and the rest only partly
-cooked; that is, 'rare done.'
-
-"Whalers who were accustomed to winter in Hudson Bay practically always
-had scurvy in the crew. It was common knowledge among the captains that
-fresh meat was curative of scurvy, and it was their practice to obtain
-meat from the Eskimos whenever possible for that purpose. The last
-English expeditions to the South Polar regions were afflicted with
-scurvy which was entirely and quickly eradicated by the use of fresh
-seal meat in the place of salt meats and canned foods. They do not state
-that this meat was eaten raw or even rare cooked. On the Danish coast of
-Greenland, during seasons poor in game, scurvy is quite common, but the
-natives there live largely on breadstuffs (very coarse rye bread).
-Personally, during my four years in the Arctic, I took no fresh
-vegetables whatever, or other commonly-called antiscorbutics, relying
-solely on rare or raw meat. I never was stronger or more healthy in my
-life. I did have dried fruits and vegetables, and usually plenty of
-fresh bread. Usually the Eskimos eat their raw meat in a frozen
-condition, and I can attest that it is extremely palatable in that
-condition."
-
-We do not wish to discuss, in this place, the value of meat as an
-antiscorbutic; in passing, however, it may be said that, as in the case
-of the other antiscorbutics, its efficacy will depend largely upon the
-amount consumed. The British Mesopotamia Commission Report of 1917 shows
-that scurvy can develop on a ration which includes 28 ounces of meat a
-week. We must remember, however, that this refers to cooked meat,
-whereas in the Polar expeditions meat generally was eaten in a raw
-state.
-
-Recently an historical inquiry has appeared in an article by Chick, Hume
-and Skelton as to the antiscorbutic virtue of limes and lemons. This
-sketch is of exceptional interest because it treats of the oldest and
-most cherished antiscorbutics, and particularly because it has unearthed
-a peculiar fallacy in their connection. As they state, there would
-appear to be every reason for believing "that the use of so-called lime
-juice was responsible for the disappearance of scurvy from the British
-navy in the first decade of the nineteenth century." It would seem,
-however, that the lime juice which gained this great reputation in the
-navy some 125 years ago was in reality lemon juice, and that it was not
-until about 50 years ago that lime juice was really used. These authors
-show--by one of those striking human experiments which, occasionally, is
-available--that in a Polar exploration which was organized in 1850 lemon
-juice was issued to each man, and that no case of scurvy developed,
-whereas in a similar expedition which went out in 1875 lime juice was
-issued and scurvy developed the following spring with great severity
-among the sledge crews. This investigation, therefore, seems to prove
-that lime juice, the prototype of antiscorbutics, has been accorded a
-false position; that in reality the sailors of the past have been
-protected by lemon juice.
-
-=Antiscorbutic Foods.=--As far as has been ascertained, the
-antiscorbutic food factor exists in all fresh vegetable and animal
-tissues, being present to a far greater degree in the former than in the
-latter. It is distinguished by being associated in nature with cells
-which are the seat of active metabolism, just as the water-soluble
-vitamine is associated mainly with cells which are in an inactive or
-dormant state. Vegetables or fruits may be mildly or highly
-antiscorbutic; there is indeed a remarkable difference in their content
-of antiscorbutic factor or vitamine. They vary widely also in the degree
-to which their potency is affected by physical or chemical conditions.
-In this chapter the most common animal and vegetable antiscorbutic
-foodstuffs will be considered and the effect which processes such as
-drying, canning, change of reaction, etc., exert on their specific
-value. Their therapeutic application in the prevention and cure of
-scurvy will be considered in a subsequent chapter. Until recently our
-knowledge of this subject was empirical and inaccurate; as the result of
-scientific work, however, carried out during the past few years in
-different parts of the world, quantitative and comparative figures of
-antiscorbutic food values have been evolved.
-
-=Milk.=--It is important to have as accurate an idea as possible of the
-value of milk as an antiscorbutic, as the infant depends on it during
-the first months of its life for a supply of this essential factor.
-Considerable attention has been paid to this question in the last few
-years, and recent reports tend to confirm the former estimations which
-had been overlooked and forgotten. In 1847 Curran wrote that in the
-Irish epidemic of this year they had admitted to the Dublin Union
-Hospital 80 cases of scurvy which had been on a diet which included one
-pint of milk daily, but was deficient in vegetables. From this
-experience he realized that milk was not rich in the principles which
-protect against scurvy. In the following year Parkes came to the same
-conclusion, stating that 500 to 750 c.c. of raw milk did not always
-suffice to prevent scurvy. In addition to these opinions concerning
-adults, similar conclusions have been drawn from clinical experience
-with infants. Barlow (1894) realized that a small amount of milk was
-insufficient to protect against scurvy. Still writes: "The antiscorbutic
-power of fresh, unboiled milk is evidently slight." In 1914 Hess and
-Fish pointed out that "milk must not be considered as having potent
-antiscorbutic properties." Nevertheless, when this question was raised
-recently by the experimental work of Jackson and Moore, and that of
-McCollum and Pitz, it was not appreciated that, like other
-antiscorbutics, milk must be regarded from a quantitative standpoint,
-and that, as it is a weak antiscorbutic, its effect must depend largely
-on the quantity consumed.
-
-The first laboratory work on this subject was that of Froelich in 1912,
-who showed that guinea-pigs could be protected by an exclusive diet of
-fresh milk, and that raw milk is more effective than heated milk. In his
-work, the amount of milk taken by the animals was not measured, so that
-it is impossible to glean from it more than these general conclusions.
-In the following year, as a result of some quantitative experiments,
-Funk stated that he was able to protect guinea-pigs with 50 c.c. of
-fresh milk in addition to an oat diet. This estimate, as subsequent
-workers showed, is too low. Chick, Hume and Skelton were the first,
-however, to investigate the antiscorbutic potency of milk in a
-systematic and convincing manner. They demonstrated that if the daily
-consumption of fresh milk was less than 50 c.c., a guinea-pig died
-almost as quickly as if it received no milk; if the daily quota varied
-from 50 to 100 c.c., a greater or less protection from scurvy was
-observed, varying proportionately with the amount consumed; if 100 to
-150 c.c. were taken daily, which practically amounts to a complete milk
-diet, satisfactory growth and development occurred, and no symptoms of
-scurvy were observed. This represents in a general way the present
-conception of the antiscorbutic power of milk. In passing, it may be
-remarked that it is not altogether clear why 50 c.c. of milk do not
-afford partial protection, and prolong the life of the animal for a
-definite length of time. The authors conclude that "milk is evidently a
-food poor in the antiscurvy accessory factor, and a ration large in
-comparison with that of other antiscorbutic materials is necessary to
-afford satisfactory protection from scurvy." The error must be avoided,
-however, of regarding milk as a standard article of diet containing a
-definite and specific amount of vitamine per cubic centimetre. It will
-be shown later that this point of view cannot be taken in regard to
-vegetables, and it is probable that it cannot be assumed for milk.
-
-A general conception of the antiscorbutic potency of cow's milk may be
-gleaned from the fact that it requires a minimum of about sixteen ounces
-(500 c.c.) daily to protect an infant from scurvy or to cure it. Twelve
-ounces have failed to effect a cure in several instances, although the
-milk was raw and of the best grade. If it is pasteurized, a larger
-quantity is required, depending upon various conditions connected with
-the heating process and upon the age of the milk, circumstances fully
-discussed in relation to etiology. Thus it becomes evident that
-pasteurized milk assumes a two-fold rôle, acting as an antiscorbutic if
-little of its vitamine content has been destroyed and if a large
-quantity is consumed, or leading to the development of scurvy when one
-or both of these conditions is unfavorable. The same holds true for milk
-which has been boiled for a short period. If the milk has been heated
-twice, it tends to produce scurvy; if it is condensed, the greater part
-of its antiscorbutic value is destroyed.
-
-It seems necessary to emphasize again the important fact that _dried
-milk_ may possess marked antiscorbutic potency, depending on the method
-of preparation (Fig. 11). As stated, sixteen ounces of milk dried by the
-Just-Hatmaker process cured scurvy promptly, in spite of the fact that
-the milk had been dried six months previously. Here, therefore, is a
-food of high caloric value, compact, antiscorbutic, and stable. The fact
-that milk, in spite of drying, retains this labile vitamine for so long
-a period, demonstrates that it is available in the most remote parts of
-the world, and that the possibilities of its transportation are
-unlimited.
-
-Little is known regarding the antiscorbutic content of the milk of the
-various domestic animals. Some claim that goat's milk is notably rich in
-this particular, but experiments with it are too few to warrant
-conclusions. Lind writes: "Goats, of all animals, afford the richest
-whey, possessed of the greatest antiscorbutic virtue ... which in a
-singular manner restores the constitution when weakened and impaired by
-scurvy." Human milk possesses about the same potency as cow's milk, as
-mentioned in the discussion of the occurrence of infantile scurvy in
-countries where the adult form is endemic. Twelve ounces of human milk,
-from a woman on a liberal and varied diet, barely sufficed to alleviate
-the symptoms of a case of moderate intensity.
-
-
-FRUIT JUICES
-
-=Orange and Lemon Juice.=--The most thoroughly studied antiscorbutic
-foods are orange and lemon juice, which have been singled out because
-they contain the antiscorbutic factor in the highest concentration. It
-has been ascertained through the work of various investigators that
-guinea-pigs require about 3 c.c. daily of either of these juices to
-protect them from scurvy, but that about half this amount is sufficient
-to prevent the manifestation of clinical signs.
-
-Both of these juices withstand heat remarkably well. Orange juice can be
-boiled for 10 minutes without noting any diminution of its antiscorbutic
-value, and lemon juice heated to 110° C. without appreciably losing its
-efficacy. However, orange juice undergoes some change as the result of
-being heated in an autoclave for 45 minutes at a temperature of 110°
-under 10 to 15 pounds pressure. Although 6 c.c. of this heated
-preparation were able to prevent the development of scurvy, the
-guinea-pigs did not gain nearly as well as those which received 3 c.c.
-of the unheated juice. It seemed as if there was a destruction of some
-factor apart from the antiscorbutic principle.
-
-In spite of the fact that these juices withstand heat well, they are
-sensitive to some other conditions. Orange juice which had been stored
-in the cold for three months was unable to protect guinea-pigs in the
-dosage of 3 c.c. per animal, resembling in its action the autoclaved
-juice. When this orange juice was six months old, double this quantity
-failed to protect; throughout this period it was kept in the ice-box
-and covered with a layer of oleum petrolatum to avoid the access of air
-or possible contamination. Harden and Zilva met with a similar
-experience, and state that "after storing treated (concentrated) lemon
-juice for about a fortnight in a cold room, a marked loss can be
-observed in its potency."
-
-These authors reported also that when orange juice is _rendered slightly
-alkaline_ it loses its antiscorbutic potency. This question was
-investigated in relation to canned tomato juice, as well as to orange
-juice, and it was found that shortly after having been rendered 0.05 N
-alkaline to phenolphthalein, neither of these foods had lost an
-appreciable amount of its antiscorbutic factor. Five cubic centimetres
-per capita daily of freshly-alkalized orange juice were able to cure a
-group of pigs which had developed scurvy on another diet. If, however,
-24 hours were allowed to elapse instead of only one-half to one hour,
-between the alkalization and the feeding, then a considerable amount of
-the antiscorbutic factor was lost. The same general rule seems to hold
-for alkalization as for heating, _i.e._, the length of time the
-antiscorbutic food is subjected to the deleterious influence is fully as
-important as the intensity of the process. Advantage has been taken of
-the fact that freshly-alkalized orange juice retains its potency, in
-using it intravenously in the treatment of infantile scurvy.
-
-_Subcutaneous injections_ of neutralized orange juice failed to cure
-scurvy in guinea-pigs; Harden and Zilva were equally unsuccessful with
-large doses of their concentrated lemon juice. This is of interest in
-view of the marked therapeutic result which Shiga obtained with
-subcutaneous injections of the water-soluble vitamine in pigeons
-suffering from polyneuritis. It should be added that Holst and Froelich
-(1912) failed to cure scurvy in guinea-pigs by intraperitoneal
-inoculations of orange juice.
-
-_Lemon juice or orange juice may be dried_ and lose little of its
-antiscorbutic power. In their paper of 1912 Holst and Froelich reported
-the efficacy of lemon juice evaporated in a vacuum, and recently Harden
-and Zilva published experiments which proved that "by evaporating the
-treated lemon juice to dryness in an acid medium an active dry residue
-is obtained." Still more recently Givens has shown that orange juice
-reduced to a powdered form by means of a spraying process has lost
-little of the antiscorbutic factor. These results prove that under
-certain conditions the antiscorbutic factor withstands drying; one of
-these favorable influences is an acid reaction, and another, rapidity of
-desiccation.[40]
-
-[40] Preserved mulberries which had been sugared and cooked for
-one-quarter to one-half an hour were found by Holst and Froelich (1912)
-to possess good antiscorbutic power three months later.
-
-=Lime Juice.=--Recently an investigation of lime juice has been carried
-out by Chick, Hume and Skelton. They were "unable to detect any
-significant protection in a daily ration of from 5 to 10 c.c. of
-preserved lime juice which was several months or a year or more old."
-Crude lime juice of various ages had slight antiscorbutic value,
-affording only partial protection in a daily ration of 5 c.c. Even fresh
-juice was found not to be very efficacious compared with lemon juice.
-The authors conclude that "the relative value of these two fruit juices
-deduced from the trials with monkeys is therefore in accord with that
-obtained in the experiments with guinea-pigs, _i.e._, the value of fresh
-lemon juice is approximately four times that of fresh lime juice." Holst
-and Froelich in 1907 carried out a similar but less extensive
-investigation. They also found that lime juice was unable to protect
-guinea-pigs from scurvy. Fuerst, a co-worker of Holst, continued this
-work, and in his article of 1912 stated that guinea-pigs should not be
-protected by a daily addition to their ration of 25 g. of lime juice;
-these guinea-pigs received a mixed diet consisting of dry vegetables,
-butter, almonds and malt extract. These two reports of the Norwegian
-investigators on this interesting subject should have attracted
-attention.
-
-=Other Fruits.=--A word may be said in regard to some other fruits. The
-antiscorbutic potency of _raspberries_ was tested by Holst and Froelich
-(1912) and found comparable to oranges and to lemons. The juice was also
-highly resistant to heat, so that 10 c.c. of freshly-pressed juice were
-of protective value, even after it had been subjected to 100 or 110° C.
-for one hour. Guinea-pigs which were thus treated showed no microscopic
-signs of scurvy in any of the ribs, in the tibiæ or the femora.
-
- TABLE 3
- TABLE SHOWING THE RELATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ANTISCORBUTIC FACTOR
- IN THE COMMONER FOODSTUFFS[*]
- =====================================================================
- Classes | Anti- | Classes | Anti-
- of |scorbutic| of |scorbutic
- Foodstuffs | Factor | Foodstuffs | Factor
- ------------------------+---------+------------------------+---------
- _Meat, Fish, Etc.:_ | |_Vegetables and Fruits:_|
- Lean meat (beef, | | Cabbage, fresh | +++
- mutton, etc.) | + | Cabbage, cooked | +
- Liver | + | Cabbage, dried | Very
- Tinned meats | 0 | | slight
- Beef juice | + | Swede, raw expressed |
- | | juice | ++
- _Milk, Cheese, Etc.:_ | | Lettuce | ++
- Milk, cow's, whole raw| + | Carrots, fresh raw | +
- Milk, cow's, skim raw | + | Carrots, dried | 0
- Milk, cow's, dried | + | Beetroot, raw, | Less
- Milk, cow's, | Less | expressed juice | than +
- boiled | than + | Potatoes, raw | ...
- Milk, cow's, | Less | Potatoes, cooked | +
- pasteurized | than + | Potatoes, dried | 0
- Milk, cow's, condensed| Less | Beans, fresh, raw | ++
- (sweetened) | than + | Onions | ++
- | | Lemon juice, fresh | +++
- _Eggs:_ | | Lemon juice, preserved| ++
- Fresh | ?0 | Lime juice, fresh | ++
- Dried | ?0 | Lime juice, preserved | Very
- | | | slight
- _Cereals, Pulses, Etc.:_| | Orange juice | +++
- Wheat, maize, rice, | | Raspberries | ++
- whole grain | 0 | Grapes | +
- Wheat germ | 0 | Apples | +
- Wheat, maize, bran | 0 | Bananas | Very
- White wheaten flour, | | | slight
- pure corn flour, | | Tomatoes (canned) | ++
- polished rice, etc. | 0 |
- Linseed, millet | 0 |_Miscellaneous:_ |
- Dried peas, lentils, | | Yeast, autolyzed | 0
- etc. | 0 | Meat extract | 0
- Soy beans, haricot | | Beer | 0
- beans | 0 | Cod liver oil | 0
- Germinated pulses or | | Olive oil | 0
- cereals | ++ | Human blood | +
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
- [*] This table is a modification of one prepared by the Medical
- Research Committee
-
-These authors also reported that they found _banana_ and _apple_ poor in
-antiscorbutic power, 30 g. daily being insufficient to protect a
-guinea-pig (Table 3). This was our experience with banana in the
-treatment of infants suffering from mild scurvy. The banana has been
-shown by Sugiura and Benedict to be poor also in the water-soluble
-vitamine. It would be of interest to determine the difference in
-vitamine content between the fully ripe and the unripe fruit.
-
-In view of the fact that _grapes_ are used considerably in the treatment
-of infantile scurvy, it is of importance to realize that they are poor
-in the antiscorbutic principle. Chick and Rhodes found that three of
-four guinea-pigs receiving 20 g. daily developed scurvy; they rated the
-potency as ten times less than that of orange juice.
-
-
-VEGETABLES
-
-It is everyday knowledge that fresh vegetables are of great value in the
-protection from, and cure of, scurvy. The first experimental
-investigation of this subject was that of Holst and Froelich, published
-in 1907, and continued in a series of papers extending to 1916. These
-investigators tested the potency of a large number of vegetables by
-feeding them in varying quantities to guinea-pigs. They found that all
-vegetables have antiscorbutic value but to a markedly varying degree.
-Cabbage, sorrel leaves, endive, head salad, and dandelion leaves, were
-found to be of most avail in protecting against scurvy, whereas carrots,
-cooked potatoes and cooked turnips, and cauliflower proved to be of less
-value. In general, it may be stated that the leafy vegetables have more
-antiscorbutic power than the roots or the tubers. This generalization,
-we shall see, is not without exception, _e.g._, the swede. Similar
-experimental work has been recently carried on by a group of
-investigators at the Lister Institute, who have added considerably to
-our knowledge in this field. In all this experimental work cabbage has
-been found to be the most potent of the vegetables, and therefore
-experiments have centered about it just as in considering fruits the
-work has centered about orange juice or lemon juice. We shall,
-therefore, discuss in detail its reaction to heat and dehydration.
-
-=Cabbage.=--Holst and Froelich found that 1 g. daily of fresh cabbage
-afforded nearly complete protection to guinea-pigs, and Delf has
-corroborated this work. This amount is sufficient to prevent the
-development of manifest scurvy, although it does not induce satisfactory
-growth. In this respect it is comparable to giving 1.5 c.c. of orange
-juice daily. If guinea-pigs take only 0.5 g. of raw cabbage, scurvy will
-develop; whereas 2 g. or more will promote satisfactory growth and no
-scorbutic changes will be found on microscopic examination.
-
-=Effect of Heating.=--Vegetables are of decidedly less antiscorbutic
-value when cooked than raw; cabbage, for instance, on being boiled is
-weakened about one-half. Heating to 110° C. for an hour destroys almost
-all of its antiscorbutic factor. Delf's tests did not show so great a
-loss. She came to the conclusion, of theoretical and practical value,
-that slow cooking at a low temperature is much more deleterious than
-rapid cooking at a higher temperature. Hess and Unger found that carrots
-lost much of their antiscorbutic power after boiling, and that this was
-the result of a true destruction, the vitamine not having been merely
-dissolved in the water of boiling; for if guinea-pigs consumed 40 c.c.
-per capita of this water, they were not protected against scurvy (Fig.
-11). Acidulating the water with 10 per cent. vinegar did not reduce the
-loss, an experience similar to that of others using citric acid or lemon
-juice.
-
-_Vegetables cannot be considered from an antiscorbutic standpoint as a
-standard and uniform foodstuff, as they vary in their content of this
-factor according to their freshness and age._ This was demonstrated by
-means of feeding experiments with carrots. For example, 35 g. of old
-carrots, such as were used for feeding the laboratory animals, afforded
-but little protection after having been cooked in an open vessel for
-about 45 minutes, whereas the same amount of young carrots cooked this
-way protected the guinea-pigs. It is obvious that this distinction is of
-importance in evaluating the antiscorbutic content of the various foods,
-and in considering whether individuals and groups of individuals are
-receiving an adequate quota of antiscorbutic vitamine. It will be noted
-later that it is also of importance in connection with the potency of
-dehydrated vegetables. Recent experiments indicate that not only age,
-but the _degree of ripeness_ must be considered in appraising the food
-value of vegetables. Feeding experiments showed that tomatoes which were
-fully ripe were more potent than those which were slightly green.
-Probably many other factors play a rôle in determining the richness of
-vegetables in vitamine. It may not be immaterial whether they are
-allowed to ripen on the vine or shrub, or mature subsequently. The
-nature of the soil may also affect the antiscorbutic quality of the
-vegetables or fruit. So that it is evident that we must not be schematic
-in considering this question, and must realize that a table of
-antiscorbutic values, such as accompanies this text (Table 3), does not
-furnish definite and inflexible values.
-
-There is a marked difference between _vegetables and vegetable juices_
-in keeping quality, and in their reaction to heat and to acid. In
-general, it may be stated that the juices are much more sensitive. Holst
-and Froelich brought out this point in 1912 and enlarged upon it in
-their publication of 1916. The different juices vary greatly in this
-respect; for example, dandelion juice is acutely sensitive to heat,
-whereas sorrel leaves withstand high temperatures very well. In regard
-to these differences an analogy may be drawn to the fruit juices. Lemon,
-orange and raspberry juices are markedly thermostable, but lime juice is
-weakened markedly by heat. Many of these juices are protected by the
-addition of acid--5 per cent. of lemon juice increasing the
-thermostability of cabbage juice--whereas, as we have stated, little is
-gained by cooking vegetables in an acid medium.
-
-=Potato.=--The civilized world is dependent for its quota of
-antiscorbutic foodstuff largely upon the potato. It might be thought,
-therefore, that this would signify that the potato is endowed with great
-antiscorbutic power. Such is not the case, however, as demonstrated both
-by laboratory tests and clinical experience. Considering its importance,
-there have been surprisingly few feeding experiments carried out with
-potato. Holst and Froelich (1912) found that 17 g. of potatoes, steamed
-at 100° C. for 30 minutes, afforded but slight protection, and that it
-required 20 g. to fully protect a guinea-pig. Givens and Cohen failed to
-ward off scurvy by means of cooked potatoes fed to the equivalent of 5
-g. of the raw vegetable (guinea-pigs will not eat raw potatoes). There
-are no accurate figures as to the quantity of potatoes needed to protect
-a human being from scurvy. The statement of Doctor Guy, however, who
-after careful study of convicts' diets, concluded that 14 ounces daily
-would protect them from scurvy (if the ration included one ounce of
-other fresh vegetable and 4 ounces of meat), is probably close to the
-mark.[41] With the experience that potatoes play such a significant rôle
-in the prevention of scurvy, how are we to interpret the fact that they
-are only mildly antiscorbutic? Potatoes are consumed in very large
-amounts; in the Temperate Zone probably twice as many pounds of potatoes
-are consumed during the winter as of all other vegetables combined (Fig.
-1). It is evident, therefore, that in a practical evaluation of
-antiscorbutic foodstuffs, not only the intrinsic antiscorbutic potency
-must be considered, but also the quantity of the vegetable or fruit
-consumed.
-
-[41] Dr. Guy's evidence, Report of the Lords Commissioners of the
-Admiralty on the Outbreak of Scurvy in the Recent Arctic
-Expedition--1877 (cited from Chick and Hume).
-
-=Swede.=--We cannot leave the consideration of vegetable antiscorbutics
-without adding a few words as to the value of swede juice,[42] which has
-been recently highly recommended by Chick and Rhodes, who found it
-comparable to the cabbage and the onion, and even to orange juice. For
-example, 25 c.c. of raw swede juice were equivalent to 1.5 g. of raw
-cabbage. It is, therefore, more potent than the juice of raw carrot, and
-far more efficacious than the juice of the beetroot (Table 3). Tests
-carried out with this antiscorbutic in infant feeding seemed to show
-that it is of value in this field. The authors believe that the potency
-of vegetables is closely associated with certain botanical species, and
-that in this way the marked virtue of the swede can be explained, as it
-belongs to the natural order of Cruciferæ, which includes also the
-cabbage, the scurvy grass and the cresses. If, however, this is a rule
-of nature, it is difficult to explain the marked difference between the
-lime and the lemon, which are both varieties of Citrus Medica.
-
-[42] The swede is a root vegetable of the natural order Cruciferæ. It is
-grown to a large extent in England, but is practically unknown in the
-United States.
-
-=Dehydrated Vegetables.=--For hundreds of years fresh vegetables have
-been dried to serve as food during the winter months and have fulfilled
-a useful purpose on account of their small bulk and great food value.
-The question for us to consider, however, is whether dehydrated
-vegetables still retain their antiscorbutic quality and can be counted
-on to supply this factor in the dietary. At present this subject is
-engaging the attention of laboratory workers as well as of practical
-dietitians and food hygienists. The experience of the past is not happy
-in this regard. In the Medical and Surgical History of the War of the
-Rebellion we read as follows: "A scorbutic tendency was developed at
-most of our military posts during the winter season, after the troops
-had been confined to the use of the ordinary ration with desiccated
-vegetables. The latter in quantities failed to repress the disease." In
-spite of this and similar military experiences[43] the employment of
-dehydrated vegetables was urged recently for rationing our soldiers, the
-claim being made that "by simply soaking in water and boiling in the
-same water these vegetables are brought back to the condition of fresh
-vegetables." Both in this country and in England there was strong
-propaganda during the war to dehydrate vegetables on an enormous scale
-and to substitute them for the fresh food.
-
-[43] "We find the College of Physicians at Vienna sent to Hungary great
-quantities of the most approved antiscorbutic herbs dried in this
-manner; which were found to be of no benefit. Many of these would have
-their virtues as little impaired by drying as spinage, _e.g._, marsh
-trefoil. Kramer tried almost every species of dried herbs to no
-purpose." (Treatise on The Scurvy. James Lind, London, 1772, p. 143.)
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 12.--Hay, oats, water _ad libitum_, and 7 g. of
-dehydrated carrots dried at a room temperature of about 130° F. about 1
-month previously. All animals developed scurvy. The marked gain in
-weight when an equivalent amount of fresh carrots was substituted for
-the dehydrated vegetable corresponded to the disappearance of scorbutic
-signs. Guinea-Pig B 951 did not receive fresh carrots, as it was
-evidently ailing at the time the second period began.]
-
-Experimental investigation on this subject may be summarized as showing
-that vegetables dried according to present methods lose their
-antiscorbutic value as the result of dehydrating (Fig. 12), and that
-they become still more impoverished as the result of aging. We should
-not sweepingly condemn the principle of dehydration, as very possibly
-some slight modifications in the process may be devised which will
-counteract the deteriorating influence. In their paper of 1912, to which
-reference has been made so often, Holst and Froelich reported that
-potatoes, carrots, peas, lentils and almonds have practically no
-protective value after they are thoroughly dried. In two reports--one
-giving the results of feeding various brands of dehydrated carrots to
-guinea-pigs, and the other of an attempt to cure scurvy in babies by
-means of these carrots--we also came to the conclusion that the
-antiscorbutic factor had been almost completely destroyed. Givens and
-Cohen (1918) found that even cabbage dried at a low temperature retained
-only a small amount of its potency after a month, and Delf and Skelton
-came to practically the same conclusion, also noting that the cabbage on
-being kept, steadily lost what little of the antiscorbutic factor had
-survived the drying process. The same was true of the fat-soluble
-factor. These authors made an observation which may prove of value in
-helping to solve this problem, namely, that "the residual amount is
-distinctly greater if the cabbage is plunged into boiling water before
-drying." This protective action of heat they suggest may indicate that:
-"Some at least of the destruction may be due to the activity of an
-enzyme or other body originally present in the living tissue."
-
-Another observation which may prove of practical value in rendering
-dehydrated vegetables the nutritional equivalent of the fresh vegetable
-is that when the carrots selected for dehydration are young and fresh a
-product is obtained which possesses decided antiscorbutic power. In this
-connection the following statement by Falk and his co-workers in a study
-of the enzyme action of vegetables and the effect of dehydration is
-significant: "In considering these enzyme results, it may be pointed out
-that the state of ripeness and the age of the vegetable undoubtedly
-influence the activities."
-
-The most promising dehydration experiment has been conducted by Holst
-and Froelich and was published in 1916 in a paper which has passed
-unnoticed. They dried white cabbage so that it retained its
-antiscorbutic properties, and, to a large extent, its color and taste,
-for a period of two years. This result was accomplished by keeping out
-all moisture and preventing hydrolysis,[44] a method which is employed
-in preserving antitoxins, toxins and agglutinins. It is by far the most
-encouraging test reported, and should be made the basis of further work
-by those actively interested in perfecting dehydration.
-
-[44] The cabbage was subjected to a preliminary drying for 8 days at 37°
-C. It was then put in an air-tight desiccator which contained a dish of
-phosphorus pentoxid. (The pentoxid was replaced for several weeks until
-it ceased to liquefy.) It was then placed in cylinders which had been
-rendered air free by means of a suction pump and which contained
-phosphorus pentoxid. This was kept at 37° C. and examined after 10, 18
-and 26 months. A similar result was not obtained when calcium chlorid
-was employed, the temperature held at 37° C. and the cabbage was kept in
-an air-tight cylinder rather than in a vacuum. However, under these
-conditions if the cabbage was placed in the ice-box at a temperature of
-4°, 10° or 12° C. the antiscorbutic property was conserved after
-boiling.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 13.--Cure of scurvy by the addition of canned
-tomato. In this case, as frequently, the alleviation of symptoms
-preceded the gain in weight.]
-
-=Canned Food (Tomatoes).=--In the course of canning, as in dehydrating,
-most vegetables and fruits lose their antiscorbutic properties. A
-general denunciation, however, of all canned foods is incorrect, as
-there are exceptions to this rule. It has been shown by Hess and Unger
-that canned tomatoes possess a high degree of antiscorbutic power (Fig.
-13), and it is probable that most of the acid fruits and vegetables are
-able to withstand the canning process. It was found, in an experiment
-embracing many series of guinea-pigs, that 4 c.c. daily of strained,
-canned tomato are sufficient to afford protection, even when a lot was
-used which had been prepared a year previously. This is indeed
-remarkable, considering that the food undergoes a two-fold heating in
-the course of canning, during one of which ("processing") the
-temperature is raised to fully 230° F. Tomatoes have another advantage
-over most other vegetables in that they are richly endowed with the
-water-soluble vitamine, as shown by our tests on pigeons suffering from
-polyneuritis, and by the experiments on rats of Osborne and Mendel, who
-found tomatoes far superior in this respect to turnips, onions,
-beetroots or beans. They are also rich in the fat-soluble vitamine. In
-view of the availability of canned tomatoes and their excellent keeping
-quality they are well suited to an extended use as an antiscorbutic. In
-the subsequent chapter we shall discuss their employment in infant
-feeding and in the army ration.
-
-=Germinated Cereals and Pulses.=--In 1912 Fuerst reported that although
-the resting seed--the cereal grain, the pea, bean and lentil--are poor
-in antiscorbutic vitamine, they develop this principle as soon as they
-germinate. They possess, in other words, latent antiscorbutic
-properties, and are potentially antiscorbutic. This observation is not
-only of scientific interest but of practical value, as these pulses are
-well suited for transport and do not readily deteriorate. For this
-reason, Chick and her co-workers at the Lister Institute, who were
-searching for an antiscorbutic foodstuff for the army, directed their
-attention to the utilization of the pulses. In the course of a thorough
-investigation (1919) they found that although it required 30 to 40 g.
-daily of dry green peas to prevent scurvy in the guinea-pig, a
-consumption of 10 g. of the germinated peas afforded satisfactory
-protection.[45] The soaked seeds have an antiscorbutic value comparable
-to many of the fresh vegetables; by no means as great as cabbage, but
-somewhat greater than that of carrots. As the result of cooking, their
-potency was found to be reduced about 75 per cent. We shall have
-occasion to refer to this antiscorbutic food in the chapter on treatment
-in connection with the rationing of armies.
-
-[45] The pulses, after having been soaked in water for 24 hours, were
-kept moist, with access of air, for about 48 hours at room temperature,
-and during this time germinated, developing a radicle usually about 1
-cm. in length.
-
-=Meat and Eggs.=--As has been stated, animal tissues are distinctly
-inferior to fruits and vegetables in the antiscorbutic principle. As
-there has been no accurate evaluation of these foods--the only test
-being one by Chick, Hume and Skelton, where 10 c.c. of raw beef juice
-failed to protect guinea-pigs--we have to depend upon clinical
-experience for our knowledge. Beef juice is highly rated by physicians
-in the prevention of infantile scurvy, but it is probably far less
-potent than vegetables or fruit juices. The Arctic explorers, and many
-who have lived in the Arctic regions, agree that the inhabitants are
-protected from scurvy during the winter months by their diet of fresh
-meat and fish. The Admiralty Enquiry on the outbreak of scurvy in the
-Arctic Expedition of 1875 reported that a large ration of meat is
-necessary to afford protection. Curran (1847) described three cases
-admitted to the hospital in the great Irish epidemic of that year, where
-the diet previously had included three-quarters of a pound of meat on
-five days of the week. From these and similar experiences the conclusion
-is manifest that the divergence of opinion regarding the value of meat
-is based upon quantitative differences in the rations. Evidently, if
-sufficient meat is provided, the development of scurvy will be obviated.
-Another factor which must be borne in mind is that those who refer to
-meat in the Arctic regions refer to fresh raw meat, which is a far more
-valuable antiscorbutic than the ordinary cooked meat.
-
-There is almost no experimental data on the antiscorbutic value of
-_eggs_. Hard-boiled eggs were fed to guinea-pigs and it was found that 9
-g. per capita daily was insufficient to protect them. An attempt was
-also made to cure infantile scurvy with a daily addition of one raw egg
-to the dietary, but without avail. It is possible that fresh raw eggs
-have an antiscorbutic value comparable to meat, but the large quantity
-required makes dependence upon them impracticable.
-
-=Beer and Alcoholic Beverages.=--For generations beer has been highly
-regarded as an antiscorbutic. Captain Cook prized it greatly and always
-supplied his men with a freshly-made infusion of malt called
-"sweetwort." Lind writes: "Beer and fermented liquors of any sort will
-be found the best antiscorbutic remedies" (p. 76). He refers at
-different times to the value of spruce beer, ale, wine and other vinous
-liquors. In his excellent book on "Military Hygiene," Munson writes:
-"Good beer and wine have decided value, also vinegar." On the other
-hand, recent scientific experiment has shown that beer has practically
-no antiscorbutic value. There is but one study on this subject, that of
-Harden and Zilva, which is quite convincing. They found that guinea-pigs
-and monkeys developed scurvy in spite of the fact that they received,
-respectively, 50 c.c. and 180 c.c. of beer daily. They conclude, as a
-result of their experiments, that "bottled ale and stout and fined beer
-as brought on to the market, are lacking both in antineuritic and
-antiscorbutic accessory factors, and that kilned material is also
-wanting in these two principles." The apparent contradiction between
-practical experience and laboratory investigation in regard to beer is
-due to a difference in the process of brewing. Cook and Lind and the
-older authors refer to freshly-made beer, whereas the modern beer which
-was tested in the laboratory was made from "high-dried" material. The
-antiscorbutic potency of beer as formerly used was due to its
-preparation from freshly-germinated grain and its consumption shortly
-after brewing. Dyke tells us of an interesting incident illustrating the
-importance of this distinction. In the recent war an outbreak of scurvy
-occurred among the Kaffir labor battalion in France. At home these
-natives consume a large amount, as much as three gallons a day, of
-Kaffir beer, which is made from freshly-germinated corn, and is consumed
-shortly after it is made. The French prepared a similar fermented
-beverage for their South African laborers, the sole difference in
-preparation being that the process of germination had been omitted for
-reasons of convenience. Scurvy resulted, a disorder which is practically
-unknown among the natives at home.
-
-=Miscellaneous Foodstuffs.=--During the past few years a great many
-different kinds of foods have been tested in the laboratory for their
-antiscorbutic value. It will be well for completeness' sake to say a
-word about them, although they have been found to possess little or no
-antiscorbutic properties. The studies of Holst and Froelich showed
-definitely that all the cereals--oat, barley, rye, maize, and
-preparations made from the bran or from the endosperm--are devoid of
-antiscorbutic vitamine. Cohen and Mendel added 3 per cent. of calcium
-lactate or sodium chloride, or 5 per cent. of butter, without enhancing
-the value of oats in this respect.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 14.--Failure of yeast as a prophylactic; latent
-scurvy promptly yielding to orange juice.]
-
-As is well known, yeast possesses the water-soluble vitamine in marked
-concentration. It is natural, therefore, that its antiscorbutic power
-was put to the test, especially as it has been accorded therapeutic
-value. Hess and Unger showed that autolyzed yeast was of no value in
-the cure of infantile scurvy (Fig. 14); Chick and Hume (1917) and Cohen
-and Mendel (1918) came to the same conclusion in regard to guinea-pig
-scurvy, making use of autolyzed yeast, yeast extract and dried brewers'
-yeast.
-
-In view of the fact that cod liver oil is practically a specific for
-human rickets, Hess and Unger tried the effect of this oil both in
-infantile scurvy and in that of guinea-pigs. It proved to have no
-protective or curative value. The animal experiments were confirmed by
-Cohen and Mendel. The use of olive oil also proved futile.
-
-Pitz in 1918 reported that in animal experiments he had found that
-lactose was able to protect against scurvy, and attributed this result
-to its power to alter the intestinal flora. We shall not enter into a
-detailed discussion of this question, as the study was carried out on a
-ration embodying unlimited and uncontrolled amounts of milk, and it has
-since been shown that the apparent cure was due to an increased
-consumption of milk by the animals in the progress of the experiment.
-Cohen and Mendel, Harden and Zilva, Hart, Steenbock and Smith (1919) all
-failed to protect or to cure their animals with lactose when they were
-placed on a ration which was definitely measured and limited. Hess and
-Unger failed to cure infantile scurvy by means of lactose.
-
-It has been suggested that scurvy is due to a lack of secretion of the
-endocrine glands, a question which will be referred to again in
-considering the relation of scurvy to other "deficiency diseases." With
-this idea Ingier added thyroid, hypophysis, thymus and parathyroid to
-the food of guinea-pigs, or gave it parenterally. She was unable to
-observe any beneficial results. Jackson and Moore met with the same
-result on feeding desiccated thyroid gland. We may add that we gave
-dried thyroid and also parathyroid glands in the treatment of infantile
-scurvy without effect.
-
-
-CONCLUSIONS
-
-Any consideration of the question of antiscorbutic foodstuffs brings
-into sharp relief the difference between empiricism and scientific
-investigation. For well over a hundred years it was generally known that
-scurvy could be cured by fruits or vegetables, and yet no further
-progress was made toward a more complete understanding of the value of
-these foodstuffs. As far back as 1847 Budd ascribed the action of
-antiscorbutic foods "to an essential element, which, it is hardly too
-sanguine to state, will be discovered by organic chemistry or the
-experiments of physiologists in a not far distant future." Busk, in
-giving his testimony in 1877 before the British Scurvy Commission, said
-that it was his belief "that scurvy was due to the fact that the diet
-was lacking in a peculiar and as yet little-understood factor." The
-question remained in this hypothetical and inactive state until it was
-attacked recently by experimental methods. Decided advance has been made
-only in the past few years, since these foodstuffs have been studied
-from a quantitative viewpoint.
-
-The antiscorbutic factor is abundant in fresh foods, especially in
-vegetables and fruits, and to a considerably less extent in animal
-foods, such as milk, meat and fish. Among the vegetables there is a
-marked distinction in potency. A beginning has been made in
-standardizing these various foodstuffs, in grading them approximately
-according to their antiscorbutic efficacy (Table 3). It should be
-remembered, however, that the importance of an antiscorbutic food
-depends not only on its intrinsic content of the antiscorbutic factor,
-but quite as much on the amount of the food which is eaten. For example,
-although potatoes possess only moderate virtue compared with orange
-juice, they are of greater practical value in view of the large
-quantities which are consumed and their availability when green
-vegetables are lacking. Furthermore, the fact recently brought out that
-the various vegetables, and perhaps the fruits as well, have
-considerably more value when they are fresh and young than when they are
-old, warns us not to carry our quantitative standardization too far.
-
-Fruits and vegetables which are dehydrated have been found to have lost
-their antiscorbutic properties. This generalization is not without its
-exception, for it has been found that cabbage and tomato withstand
-drying well, and that if milk is dried under favorable conditions it
-retains a very large part of its antiscorbutic value. It may be stated
-that the outlook is bright in regard to dehydration, as the problem has
-not yet been thoroughly studied, and the process may be so improved that
-there will be little difference in the nutritional value between the
-fresh and the dehydrated food.
-
-The study of antiscorbutic values points a lesson in regard to the
-methods of cooking vegetables. It has demonstrated that short cooking,
-associated with a high degree of temperature, is less deleterious than
-longer cooking at a low degree. In other words, that less damage is
-brought about by boiling or by steaming vegetables than by stewing them.
-Here age and freshness again play a rôle; in fact, a double rôle, as the
-older and tougher vegetables contain not only less antiscorbutic, but
-require more prolonged cooking.
-
-In general, the belief is correct that canning destroys the
-antiscorbutic value of foods, but once more an exception must be made,
-for it has been found that acid foods, such as the tomato, withstand the
-canning process with but little loss of potency.
-
-The field of antiscorbutic foodstuffs is one which is fertile for future
-investigation. The antiscorbutic status of milk heated to various
-heights of temperature and subjected to various degrees of aging
-furnishes problems of great practical importance. A lack of growth has
-been noted when antiscorbutics are given which have been subjected to a
-high degree of heat (_e.g._, autoclaved orange juice). Whether this is
-due to the destruction of some other growth factor is a question which
-has been raised by several experimental studies and requires an answer.
-
-It is quite possible that we shall find useful antiscorbutic foods which
-at present are unknown or unappreciated. The recent introduction of the
-swede, of the canned tomato and of germinated pulses suggests and even
-renders this probable. On the other hand, the recognition of the
-comparative poverty of the antiscorbutic factor in lime juice shows the
-importance of putting each foodstuff to the experimental test.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS
-
-
-The identity of scurvy in the infant, in the young child and in the
-adult is thoroughly established and requires no further substantiation.
-There are, however, sufficient differences between the symptoms of adult
-scurvy and those of Barlow's disease to render it advisable to consider
-them separately. These distinctions are due largely to the fact that the
-former disorder affects mature tissues, whereas the latter is engrafted
-upon tissues which are in the process of rapid growth and development.
-The symptomatology is influenced also by the striking differences in
-environment--the passive, shielded existence of the infant, contrasted
-with the active and exposed life of the adult. Although we shall,
-therefore, treat adult and infantile scurvy separately, it should be
-borne in mind that, from an etiologic and pathologic viewpoint, such a
-division is artificial and is resorted to merely for purposes of
-clarity.
-
-=Adult Scurvy.=--The earliest sign of scurvy is usually a change in the
-complexion of the individual. His color becomes sallow or muddy, an
-aspect difficult to describe, but one which is characteristic, and
-constitutes an important danger signal to the eye of the experienced
-physician. About the same time the patient loses his accustomed vigor,
-seemingly becomes indolent and complains of tiring quickly, and of
-breathlessness. He may experience fleeting pains in the joints and
-limbs, especially in the legs, symptoms which are frequently attributed
-to rheumatism. At this early stage the appetite may still be normal,
-there is usually no loss in weight, but merely a general malaise which
-is significant, although in no way distinctive. Very soon the gums
-become sore, bleed readily, and are found to be congested, spongy, and
-somewhat hemorrhagic at their edges. Absolute reliance must not,
-however, be placed on this sign for early diagnosis, as at times it does
-not appear until later. Careful examination at this stage will disclose
-petechial spots on the body, more especially on the legs, at the site of
-the hair follicles, or even larger ecchymoses, depending upon the
-hemorrhagic tendency of the individual, his exposure to bruising, the
-adequacy of his diet, and secondary infection. Less frequently bleeding
-from the nose occurs early, or the eyelid suddenly becomes swollen and
-purple, or the urine shows the presence of blood.
-
-These signs progress steadily with a varying degree of rapidity. The
-complexion becomes more dingy and somewhat brownish, the weakness
-increases so that the slightest exertion causes breathlessness and
-palpitation, and the gums become spongy and even fungous. If there is
-infection of the gums and the teeth are carious, the breath is extremely
-foul--a sign long associated with scurvy. Later the teeth become loose
-and may fall out, and the alveolar process undergoes necrosis. The
-surface hemorrhages increase in severity, large effusions appearing on
-the trunk, on the extremities, and less often beneath the mucous
-membrane of the mouth. A bloody diarrhoea may take the place of the
-constipation which is generally noted earlier in the disease. There are
-at this time hemorrhages into the muscles and deeper tissues, especially
-into the calves of the legs, giving rise to hard, brawny, tender
-swellings which have been termed "scurvy sclerosis." This is sometimes
-the earliest sign noted by the patient and may puzzle the physician who
-has not met with it before. The swelling may be found in the popliteal
-space or at the site of the tendo Achilles, and result in lameness and
-contracture of the neighboring joint. Frequently there is slight edema
-of the ankles associated with a glossiness of the extensor surfaces of
-the legs. This infiltration differs from ordinary edema in being firm
-and not pitting on pressure. The skin is dry and rough, the follicles
-being unusually elevated;[46] the hair likewise is dry and loses its
-lustre. Not infrequently subperiosteal hemorrhages occur, giving rise to
-exquisitely tender swellings, especially of the tibia or of the femur,
-or of the ramus of the lower jaw, as has been noted in connection with
-guinea-pig scurvy. If there are wounds or ulcers they assume a
-hemorrhagic aspect, the edges becoming bluish or livid and showing no
-tendency to heal; even scars which have existed for many years change in
-color and show an altered state of nutrition, and ulcers long healed
-break out afresh.
-
-[46] As the result of an experience with thousands of cases of scurvy in
-the Serbian army, Wiltshire has recently laid great emphasis on this
-follicular hyperkeratosis. He states that the earliest recognizable sign
-of scurvy is an enlargement of the hair follicles of the inner and
-anterior aspects of the thigh and upper leg, which show numerous conical
-elevations about the size of a pin's head. A hair, broken or unbroken,
-frequently pierces the follicle.
-
-Nowadays, the disease usually does not reach this stage, and rarely
-progresses further. If, however, the patient remains untreated, he
-becomes progressively weaker and more lethargic; there is frequent
-palpitation, shortness of breath, and increasing loss of weight. The
-pains in the limbs render him helpless and an object of pity. Marked
-edema may be added to the picture as the result of starvation, so that
-the legs become swollen, and even the face becomes bloated. Hemorrhages
-into the skin as large as the palm of the hand appear on different parts
-of the body. The gums swell to such an extent that they overlap and may
-even hide the teeth and protrude from the mouth as foul fungoid growth.
-Death comes about in various ways. Frequently sudden and fatal syncope
-occurs, due to heart weakness or to the pouring out of fluid into the
-pleural or the pericardial cavities. Another frequent cause of death is
-secondary infection, resulting in pneumonia, which finally ends the
-suffering of the patient. The fatal outcome is thus described in the
-narrative of Lord Anson's voyage:
-
- "Many of our people, though confined to their hammocks, ate and
- drank heartily, were cheerful, and talked with much seeming vigor,
- and in a loud, strong tone of voice; and yet, on their being the
- least moved, though it was only from one part of the ship to
- another, and that in their hammocks, they have immediately expired;
- and others, who have confided in their seeming strength, and have
- resolved to get out of their hammocks, have died before they could
- well reach the deck. And it was no uncommon thing for those who
- could do some kind of duty, and walk the deck, to drop down dead in
- an instant, on any endeavor to act with their utmost vigor; many of
- our people having perished in this manner during the course of this
- voyage."
-
-The disease may develop and progress in various ways. It may remain
-latent for a long period and be cured by some accidental change of
-diet, or, as more frequently occurs, it runs a moderately acute course,
-and is promptly cured by means of antiscorbutics. In the days when
-scurvy was common and widespread it sometimes became chronic, developing
-into the "inveterate scurvy" of the older authors, which was notably
-resistant to treatment. Harvey, in his treatise published in 1685,
-states that "a mild scurvy may continue or be protracted to ten, twenty,
-or thirty years."
-
-In addition to the general picture of the disease which we have
-presented, mention should be made of other less common symptoms. As is
-well known, one of the characteristic signs of scurvy is _hemorrhage_.
-Indeed, in many of the systematic treatises of medicine it is classified
-as a hemorrhagic disease. Besides the bleeding into the gums, skin and
-bones, hemorrhage into the stomach may take place, giving rise to
-hæmatemesis, or there may be hemorrhage into the eye, under the
-conjunctiva or into the anterior chamber, leading to the destruction of
-the eyeball. A very unusual form is meningeal bleeding, giving rise to
-symptoms of apoplexy. It may be stated in general that hemorrhage
-dominates the picture of scurvy. Eruptions which in normal individuals
-are simply macular or papular, assume a hemorrhagic character when
-occurring in a scorbutic individual. This phenomenon was noted in the
-recent war in connection with the eruption of typhus fever, and has been
-observed by military and naval surgeons in numerous expeditions.
-
-Scurvy reduces the nutritional state of probably all the cells and
-tissues of the body. If the resistance is still further lowered by
-exposure, nutritional disturbances will result more readily than where
-the tissues are normal and well nourished. For this reason we believe
-that scurvy may predispose to _frostbite_. Reports of congelations
-occurring in the trenches in the course of the World War tend to confirm
-our opinion that scurvy was a predisposing factor in many of these
-cases. This has been true in other wars. For example, Munson writes that
-"during the Crimean War the temperature was never very low and a report
-of the times suggests that the large number of congelations observed
-among the soldiers might well be regarded as gangrene owing to a
-scorbutic tendency exaggerated by the cold."
-
-In connection with the involvement of the gums, another typical symptom
-of scurvy, it should be remembered that this sign may appear late and
-therefore fail to be of value for early diagnosis, and that it occurs
-also in purpura and thus may lead to error. This is especially the case
-if there is pyorrhoea. As is well known, hemorrhages of the gums
-appear only where teeth are present, and are absent in the edentulous
-gums of old people as well as in babies who have no teeth. Immerman is
-probably correct in believing that an injury is always necessary to
-produce a hemorrhagic lesion in scurvy, and that this explains the early
-involvement of the gums and also their non-implication in the absence of
-teeth.
-
-It is a common belief that separation of the epiphyses occurs only in
-infants and young children, and not in the scurvy of adults. This,
-however, is not correct, as in severe adult scurvy there is frequently a
-separation of the epiphyses of the long bones of the lower extremities
-or of the ribs, the latter resulting in a sinking of the sternum.
-
-The pulse is sometimes slow and feeble, having been recorded as low as
-40 beats per minute, but more frequently is rapid, in the neighborhood
-of 140. It is, however, almost invariably unduly excited by emotion or
-by mild physical activity. Frequently there is a low type of fever,
-which has been termed "scorbutic fever," but which probably should be
-regarded as a complication of the disease rather than as an intrinsic
-symptom.
-
-There is little tendency to the formation of pus. Although the lymphatic
-glands are frequently enlarged and effusions into the tissues and into
-cavities of the body are by no means uncommon, they show little tendency
-to become purulent. In the severe cases described by the older authors,
-the breaking down of the glands in the inguinal region--buboes--is
-frequently noted. The urine is apt to be scanty, becoming much more
-profuse following treatment. Perspiration is also retarded.
-
-A peculiar symptom reported in connection with numerous epidemics of
-scurvy, both on sea and on land, is _nyctalopia or night-blindness_. The
-patients can see fairly well during the day, but have very little vision
-as soon as darkness develops. This phenomenon has puzzled many
-observers, as nothing abnormal has been found on examination of the
-eyes. Recently O'Shea, who met with many cases of this nature among
-soldiers, has reported that in an ophthalmic examination of 22 cases the
-only abnormality was pallor of the optic disc in 3 cases. This weakness
-of sight is due to the general nutritional weakness and has been
-reported in connection with other exhausting and nutritional
-diseases--for example, hunger edema. More rarely there is day-blindness.
-
-As a complication, dysentery may be mentioned. This has been described
-by Schreiber and others in scurvy epidemics occurring in the course of
-the World War. Jaundice may appear, and might be expected to occur more
-often in view of the marked congestion of the upper duodenum found so
-frequently at necropsy.
-
-Pericarditis, hydrothorax, pleurisy with effusion, pneumonia, are common
-complications of severe forms of scurvy. Lind reports that the dominant
-complication varies in different epidemics; that on one cruise many
-cases of diarrhoea would occur and on another many pulmonary
-infections.
-
-O'Shea reports the exceptional case of a man who was operated upon for
-acute appendicitis. A large hemorrhage in the wall of the cæcum was
-found, as well as some other hemorrhages in the peritoneal cavity. This
-report is interesting, not so much from a diagnostic standpoint as
-because "contrary to what might have been expected, scorbutic cases when
-operated upon showed no particular tendency to hemorrhage."
-
-=Infantile Scurvy.=--The stereotyped picture of infantile scurvy and the
-one which this term commonly suggests, is that of the acute form of the
-disease. In _acute infantile scurvy_ we have to do generally with a
-poorly-nourished, pale infant with a peculiarly alert and worried
-expression. As we approach its bed it whimpers or cries out in terror.
-Frequently its posture is characteristic, as it lies quietly on its back
-with one thigh everted and flexed on the abdomen. Examination shows that
-one or even both thighs are swollen and exquisitely tender, or that
-there is merely tenderness, the baby shrieking at the slightest pressure
-upon the lower end of the femur. If teeth are present, the adjacent gums
-are red, swollen and bleed readily. This is the syndrome which the
-medical student is taught to carry away to guide him in his everyday
-practice. It is the acute, florid type, and presents a striking picture,
-but must not be regarded as the common form of the disorder. If we are
-to diagnose infantile scurvy early and not overlook its more subtle
-manifestations, the classic textbook description must be augmented by
-portrayals of types of the disorder which are less crude and more
-difficult to recognize--of "subacute" and of "latent" scurvy.
-
-The commoner form, which we have termed "_subacute infantile scurvy_,"
-comprises a large number of symptoms which are inconclusive
-individually, and frequently escape correct interpretation. The affected
-baby is usually in the second half of the first year of life, and does
-not gain in weight or gains but slightly for weeks. It may be fairly
-well nourished, but is pale or sallow, with perhaps slight edema of the
-upper eyelids. The mother or nurse complains that the child is irritable
-and peevish, and that the appetite is poor or capricious. The gums show
-a lividity or slight peridental hemorrhage, which on subsequent
-examination may be no longer visible, and may have consisted merely of a
-rim of crimson edging the borders of the upper gum, perhaps behind an
-upper incisor, as Still pointed out. On closer examination it may be
-observed that the papillæ of the tip of the tongue are markedly
-congested, and that a petechial spot is to be seen on its frenum, on the
-palpebral conjunctiva, or here and there on the surface of the body,
-more especially where there are erosions, eczema or other skin lesions.
-Attention may be called to tenderness of the lower thighs, which in some
-instances is definite, in others so ill-defined and fleeting that it is
-impossible to convince oneself of its significance or even reality.
-There may be slight edema over the crests of the tibia, of a kind which
-does not pit on pressure. The knee-jerks are almost always markedly
-exaggerated. The urine is diminished in volume but is generally normal
-or contains a trace of albumen and red and white blood-cells. The pulse
-is frequently rapid, and becomes markedly rapid and irregular on the
-slightest excitement. The respirations are also rapid (Fig. 15).
-
-These symptoms do not constitute a rigid entity, but are subject to
-manifold variations. The syndrome may be rendered less typical and clear
-by the fact that the infant has gained steadily rather than lost in
-weight, as is sometimes the case if the food has been insufficient
-during the first few months of life. Roentgenograms of the bones may
-show the "white line" at the epiphyses first described by Fraenkel (Fig.
-20) or a thickening of the periosteum. However, too great reliance
-should not be placed on these signs in making an early diagnosis of
-this disorder, as neither is invariably present.
-
-An instance of subacute scurvy, which in many respects is typical, is
-the following:
-
- I. F., girl, was seen when 3 months old, weighing somewhat over 8
- pounds. She was given Schloss milk, 4 ounces, and then 5 ounces
- every three hours, and did well, weighing 11¼ pounds two months
- later. As she failed to gain for some weeks, although getting 6
- ounces of food, it was thought that this might be due to the fact
- that she was getting pasteurized milk and had never received an
- antiscorbutic. Autolyzed yeast had been tried as a prophylactic
- antiscorbutic, but failed to bring about a gain. When, however,
- orange juice was substituted for the yeast, a prompt growth-reaction
- resulted, a gain of 1¼ pounds in four weeks. Accompanying this
- lack of gain in weight there were many of the other symptoms
- enumerated above; irritability, pallor, slight tenderness of the
- lower ends of the femora, albumin and a few red and white cells in
- the urine. The pulse- or heart-beat was frequently over 150, and the
- respiration 60 (Fig. 15). The diagnosis of subacute scurvy was
- substantiated by the prompt subsidence of all symptoms when orange
- juice was administered.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 15.--Chart of I. F., aged 7 months, showing a prompt
-effect on pulse, respiration and temperature of substitution of orange
-juice (30 c.c.) for autolyzed yeast (30 c.c.) and a further response
-when the former was replaced by potato (15 g.).]
-
-Infantile scurvy may be dormant for a long time. The diagnosis of
-_latent scurvy_ is based mainly on the reaction to specific therapy, on
-the marked improvement when orange juice, tomato, potato or other
-antiscorbutic food is given. The symptoms themselves are suggestive, and
-do not enable an absolute diagnosis to be made. In our experience with
-many cases of this kind the usual course has been as follows: The infant
-has been generally from 6 to 9 months of age, and fed for a considerable
-period on pasteurized milk, which may or may not have been prepared with
-cereal decoction. Nor has it been material whether gruels also had been
-given. When about 6 months of age the baby ceased to thrive, to gain
-satisfactorily, to look healthy, and to feed as it should. The most
-careful investigation or physical examination has failed to solve the
-difficulty. On the other hand, the history of a diet of heated milk,
-especially if the quantity was not large, considered in conjunction with
-the pallor and poor appetite, the increased knee-jerks, and perhaps a
-rapid pulse and respiration (the cardiorespiratory syndrome), has
-awakened suspicion. Orange juice or canned tomato, prescribed in such
-cases with a view to diagnosis as well as to treatment, frequently
-brings about a magic result. The following case, the weight chart of
-which is reproduced (Fig. 14), is fairly typical of this abnormal
-nutritional state:
-
- H. S., boy, born December 15, 1915, was artificially fed until
- January 4, 1916, when he weighed 6½ pounds. He was given 28
- ounces of Schloss milk a day. (This was prepared from pasteurized
- milk which was not heated a second time. It contains per litre
- (quart) 140 c.c. of whole milk, 140 c.c. of 20 per cent. cream, 50
- g. of dextrimaltose, 5 g. of plasmon, 0.2 g. of potassium chlorate,
- and 700 c.c. of water.) By March 1 he weighed 9 pounds, and gained
- three-quarters of a pound more in the course of this month. During
- April he gained only 4 ounces. As will be seen from the chart,
- there was almost a cessation of gain from April 10 to May 3,
- although yeast was added to the diet. May 2, orange juice was given.
- The weight advanced at once, the color and the general appearance
- improved, and an eczematous condition of the face rapidly healed. It
- will be noted from the chart that the gain occurred, although the
- food intake remained the same.
-
- Epicrisis: A baby 4 months old with latent scurvy, which existed
- since he was at least 3 months of age.
-
-_This condition of latent scurvy is probably the commonest type of the
-disorder, especially in the larger cities where almost the entire milk
-supply for infants is pasteurized._ It usually passes unrecognized. Most
-infants fortunately are given orange juice by the time they are 6 months
-of age, and may receive a small amount of vegetable or potato before
-they are much older, so that they are protected from serious harm in
-this way. But there is no doubt a considerable number, especially those
-peculiarly susceptible, who quite unbeknown to anyone pass through the
-state of latent scurvy.
-
-If this large group of cases were included in the incidence of infantile
-scurvy, we should not look upon it as a disorder which occurs rarely
-during the first six months of life.
-
-When scurvy goes unrecognized or untreated for a long time, or the
-antiscorbutic content of the food is exceptionally small, or the patient
-unusually susceptible, the disorder may progress and resemble the
-advanced cases described in connection with the adult type of this
-disease. Happily such instances are rare. One of the most typical and
-vivid descriptions of _an extreme case_ of infantile scurvy is that
-reported by Vincent:
-
- The infant lay in its bed extremely apathetic and barely conscious.
- Its face was ashy gray in color, the respirations were extremely
- frequent, the pulse-rate was 144 per minute, and the temperature
- 103.2°. When touched it moaned feebly, and made no attempt at
- movement. The mouth was kept open, the lower jaw hanging away from
- the face. There was a complete absence of muscular tone, so that the
- infant appeared to be quite incapable of voluntary movement.
-
- The mouth presented a horrible appearance. No sign of the teeth
- could be discovered, though it was stated that several had appeared.
- All that could be seen was a purple mass, which was so extensive
- that on superficial inspection it was difficult to distinguish
- between the upper and lower jaws, despite their wide separation.
- Scattered over this purple mass were areas of necrosing tissue, the
- odor of which was extremely unpleasant.
-
- Petechial hemorrhages were distributed over the back and limbs, and
- a large patch of extravasated blood was found in the region of the
- left hip.
-
- Tenderness was present in all the limbs, as manifested by moaning
- and by the facial expression. There was a general enlargement over
- both humeri throughout their length; the ulna and radius did not
- appear to be thus affected, but the index-finger of the right hand
- was enlarged, especially at the junction of the metacarpal bone with
- the first phalanx, the enlargement being at each side of the joint.
- In the legs the signs were extreme. At both knee-joints the skin was
- tightly stretched over the swollen epiphyses; the tenderness also
- was greater than at any other part.
-
- Bleeding from the gums and nose had occurred; no history of
- hæmaturia could be obtained. The motions were semisolid, green, and
- offensive. During the last twenty-four hours the infant had refused
- food.
-
- The baby was given large amounts of lemon juice and subcutaneous
- injections of salt solution and the necrosing surfaces of the gums
- were scraped and swabbed with boracic solution. By the third day the
- pulse was 100, the temperature 99.8°, the odor from the mouth
- scarcely noticeable, and the general condition distinctly improved.
- It continued to improve and to gain in weight and when seen at the
- end of the sixth week of treatment it was doing well and was quite
- happy.
-
-It will be well to consider in detail the signs and symptoms which may
-develop in the course of scurvy.
-
-=Hemorrhage.=--_Hemorrhage of the gums_ is one of the characteristic
-signs of scurvy. For a reason not clearly understood it involves first
-and foremost the tissues about the upper incisors. If, however, we fix
-our attention too narrowly to this region we may be led into error; in
-several instances we have first encountered hemorrhages about the molar
-or the canine teeth, which had been overlooked because the anterior part
-of the gums had been found normal. Where teeth are absent or not in the
-course of eruption hemorrhages do not appear. At the onset the gums may
-be merely deep red or bluish red, especially if they overlie upper
-incisors which are close to the surface. Hemorrhage is particularly apt
-to occur where the edges of the teeth have just broken through the
-mucous membrane. In this connection the question arises as to whether
-every hemorrhage of the gums in infants is to be considered a sign of
-scurvy. This is a matter of some diagnostic importance. We have seen
-hemorrhages of the gums at the site of erupting molar teeth where, as
-prolonged observation proved, not even latent scurvy existed. This sign
-should not, therefore, be regarded as pathognomonic. In two infants
-entirely free from scurvy we have noted slight hemorrhage of the gums
-overlying incisor teeth. It should be well understood that such an
-occurrence is most exceptional; it is to be attributed probably to
-bacterial invasion or to a constitutional hemorrhagic condition. One of
-these cases was the following:
-
- The infant was 8½ months old. It had been nursed by the mother up
- to this time and was well nourished, but when first seen had some
- fever, probably due to a grippe infection. About ten days later
- distinct linear hemorrhages of the gums were noted over the two
- upper incisor teeth. No treatment was instituted for this condition,
- and it healed within a week. There was no subsequent sign of similar
- hemorrhage or of other scorbutic manifestation in the months that
- the baby was under observation.
-
-The localization of the hemorrhage in the gums is due largely to trauma,
-occasioned by the sharp contact of the jaws or of the nursing-bottle.
-Local infection plays almost no rôle in infants, although in the adult
-where there is caries of the teeth it frequently incites hemorrhage.
-Dental caries and gingival infection may lead to local hemorrhage, even
-where the nutritional conditions are normal.
-
-Subperiosteal hemorrhage is a sign distinctive of infantile scurvy,
-although it must be borne in mind that it may take place in the scurvy
-of adults. It involves most frequently the lower end of the femur and
-the tibia, but occurs in connection with the humerus, the mandible, the
-scapula and other bones.[47] The hemorrhage usually manifests itself as
-a swelling which appears suddenly at the lower end of the femur or
-femora. It is brought about by trauma, at times in the course of
-diapering, or by manipulation in testing for local tenderness. The
-swelling is very tender, and varies in size from an enlargement which is
-difficult to appreciate, to one which renders the leg fully twice its
-normal circumference (Fig. 18). It may involve merely a small part of
-the long bone or extend up or down the shaft for a long distance. As
-might be supposed from the nature of this lesion, the enlargement
-persists for weeks, frequently long after the gums and the general
-symptoms have disappeared. During this period it becomes harder and less
-tender, and may develop the consistency of bone; it is in this stage
-that such swellings have been diagnosed as new growths, and that
-incision or even amputation of the leg has been resorted to. In
-subacute cases the swelling--which must be regarded as hemorrhagic
-rather than scorbutic--may be absorbed gradually in spite of the fact
-that no antiscorbutic food has been given. This has led to the mistaken
-conclusion that the scurvy has been cured without dietetic treatment.
-
-[47] There seems to be some misconception as to the pathogenesis of the
-subperiosteal hemorrhage in scurvy. In most reports this lesion is
-described as if it resulted from a hemorrhage burrowing its way beneath
-the periosteum and raising it from the subjacent bone. In point of fact,
-such an event is impossible, as will be fully realized when one
-experiences the great difficulty in separating periosteum from normal
-bone. The scorbutic process involves the periosteum so that it is no
-longer normal but becomes insecurely attached to the shaft of the bone,
-and is readily stripped off by hemorrhage.
-
-Subperiosteal hemorrhage may be clearly seen by means of the fluoroscope
-or in X-ray photographs (Figs. 16 and 17). The shaft of the bone appears
-surmounted by an elongated blood-clot, which is more or less distinct
-according to its age and density. It may become calcified, as clearly
-seen in figures. More often the periosteum undergoes calcification or
-ossification, especially near the site of the separation of the
-epiphysis. This gives rise to a bizarre radiographic picture which may
-be difficult to interpret--the opaque strip or streamer being almost
-unrecognizable as periosteum (Fig. 17).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 16.--Infant 11 months old. Separation of lower
-epiphysis of femur. Fraying of end of femur and head of tibia.
-Subperiosteal hemorrhage surrounding lower part of shaft of femur, with
-calcification of periosteum and of clot.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 17.--Infant 11½ months old. Separation of lower
-epiphysis of femur with marked subperiosteal hemorrhage. Typical
-periosteal "tags" or "streamers." The connection of these "streamers"
-with the periosteal layer is evident.]
-
-Hess and Unger observed that in several instances where subperiosteal
-hemorrhage had been diagnosed, X-ray examination disclosed that the
-swelling of the thigh was due mainly to infiltration of the muscles and
-subcutaneous tissue. It is surprising how an infiltration of serum gives
-rise to a swelling which resembles in appearance and consistency the
-classical subperiosteal tumor.
-
-The skin, mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissues are frequently the
-sites of hemorrhage. There is a difference of opinion as to how
-frequently petechial hemorrhages occur in scurvy, particularly as to
-whether they are encountered early in this disorder. Great variation in
-this regard may be noted in individuals and in groups of cases occurring
-at different times. In the cases reported in 1914 by Hess and Fish,
-petechial hemorrhages were frequently an early sign, to such an extent
-that they led to a study of the blood and blood-vessels in this
-disorder. The hemorrhages in this "scurvy epidemic" were the result of a
-complication of scurvy with an infectious disease. It is not necessary,
-however, for infection to exist to bring about a rupture of the small
-vessels. The idiosyncrasy of the individual has to be considered as well
-as the fact that infants have a tendency to develop minute skin
-hemorrhages, especially such as have an exudative diathesis. In the
-course of scurvy, petechiæ may be found not only in the skin, but in
-the mucosa of the mouth, especially overlying the hard palate, and also
-in the palpebral conjunctiva, identical with the minute petechiæ so
-significant of general sepsis. In addition to these minute hemorrhages
-larger ones are not infrequently found in various parts of the body,
-especially in the neighborhood of the joints. They appear as
-discolorations of various intensities and shades, and are often
-interpreted as being merely the result of bruises. These have been
-encountered most often about the knee-joint, on the forehead, or in the
-concha of the external ear, where they may best be seen by means of
-transmitted light.
-
-A form of hemorrhage which must be especially mentioned, although it is
-very infrequent, is that taking place into the orbit, leading to a
-_proptosis of the eyeball_, usually the left (Still). This sign should
-be borne in mind, as it occurs occasionally before other symptoms have
-rendered the diagnosis clear, and may lead to a diagnosis of tumor.
-
-As mentioned above, hemorrhages into the muscles or between the muscle
-planes are very common in adults, leading to hard swellings, the typical
-"scurvy sclerosis." Such effusions occur much less frequently in
-infants, due probably to their lack of activity. In addition to these
-hemorrhages there are serous effusions of the muscles similar to those
-which are found in the pleural and pericardial cavities. These effusions
-are very striking at necropsy, when one incises the muscles--for
-example, the muscles of the thigh. During life they are frequently
-mistaken for subperiosteal hemorrhages.
-
-Less frequently there are _hemorrhages into the internal organs_. These,
-however, play a comparatively insignificant rôle in the symptomatology
-of this disease. At postmortem examination we find numerous hemorrhages
-of the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum, which rarely produce
-symptoms during life. Still records a case with marked abdominal pain
-and swelling, which he believed to have been due to hemorrhage into the
-wall of the intestine. As previously mentioned, O'Shea met with a case
-of hemorrhage into the cæcum which was mistakenly operated upon for
-appendicitis. Hæmothorax and hæemopericardium occur, especially
-associated with local inflammatory processes of tuberculous nature. The
-clinical aspect of hemorrhage of the gastro-intestinal and the
-genito-urinary tracts will be considered elsewhere.
-
-In the scurvy of adults as well as that of infants, _the nails and the
-hair_ are altered by the nutritional condition. Mention has been made of
-the hyperkeratosis recently emphasized by Wiltshire as an early sign,
-occurring especially on the thighs and legs. The skin is frequently dry,
-the so-called "goose skin" that is seen in some poor nutritional states.
-The nails are thin, brittle and lined; at times small hemorrhages will
-be noted beneath them. The hair also becomes thin and dry, and there is
-a tendency for petechial hemorrhages to develop at the roots.
-
-In a paper on the therapeutic value of yeast and of wheat embryo the
-author called attention to the fact that _eczema_ may occur in
-connection with infantile scurvy, and be cured by means of orange juice.
-We have met with eight cases of eczema in infantile scurvy, which, in
-almost every instance, have yielded promptly to an antiscorbutic, thus
-proving their scorbutic nature. A case of this kind is the following:
-
- M. L., seven months old, was getting "Molkenadaptierte" milk, and in
- addition autolyzed yeast. On May 25th it developed nasal diphtheria,
- but soon afterward did well. On June 9th it was gaining, but its
- pulse was 160 and respirations 80. A few days later it developed
- marked eczema about the neck and to a less extent on the back and
- buttocks. The "capillary resistance test" was negative.
- Cardiographic tracings showed merely a simple tachycardia. A few
- days later petechial spots appeared at the site of the eczema. On
- June 17th orange juice was given. The appetite improved, the
- cardiorespiratory syndrome disappeared, and the child began to gain.
- The eczema also cleared up rapidly without any local treatment.
-
-We wish to draw particular attention to this skin condition, as it is
-generally not mentioned, or has been regarded merely as a chance
-occurrence. The report of the American Pediatric Society includes two
-cases of eczema as a complicating condition. This symptom is of special
-interest in view of the fact that a similar skin lesion constitutes one
-of the typical signs of pellagra. In a case of infantile scurvy we have
-seen an eruption at the nape of the neck which was symmetrical and
-greatly resembled that of pellagra. Andrews refers to the occurrence of
-eczema in his description of infantile beriberi.
-
-In a paper published a few years ago attention was drawn by Hess and
-Fish to the fact that infantile scurvy frequently is associated with the
-exudative diathesis of Czerny, a pathological condition which
-predisposes to the development of exudations of the skin and the mucous
-membranes. Infants suffering from this condition--intertrigo, eczema,
-recurrent bronchitis--seem to be particularly susceptible to scurvy and
-to develop it more quickly than others.
-
-As is well known, _edema_ constitutes a not infrequent symptom of adult
-scurvy. It has not, however, been accorded any place in the
-symptomatology of infantile scurvy. We do not refer to the edema in
-connection with subperiosteal hemorrhage or separation of the epiphyses
-of the long bones, but a mild and peculiar form which is seen early in
-the disease. It involves most regularly the upper eyelids, and the
-legs--especially the skin covering the lower part of the tibiæ. In the
-latter site it differs from edema as usually encountered, in that it
-does not pit on pressure; it is firm, tense, causing some glossiness of
-the overlying skin, which is rendered difficult to wrinkle or to pinch
-between the fingers. Not infrequently the skin is slightly reddened, a
-sign of interest, in view of a similar, although much more intense,
-hyperæmia seen in pellegra.
-
-In addition to this very mild edema there may be marked swelling,
-resulting in what might be called, following the terminology of
-beriberi, "wet scurvy." The legs, body and even the face may be swollen.
-This has been frequently described in adult scurvy, and occasionally in
-infantile scurvy. The first case of infantile scurvy described in
-America, that of Northrup, had marked edema of the scrotum. Edema is
-frequently met with in "ship beriberi," a disorder considered by some
-writers to be a combination of beriberi and scurvy.
-
-The symptom leading to the diagnosis of scurvy most often is
-_tenderness_ or swelling of one of the extremities, as the antecedent
-clinical signs, comprising latent scurvy, are generally overlooked.
-These manifestations involve usually the distal end of the thigh or
-thighs. The tenderness is elicited most readily by pressure just above
-the knee, which causes the baby to wince, and to quickly flex the thigh,
-a reaction termed by Heubner "the jumping-jack phenomenon." As a result
-of pain and tenderness, the leg lies often immobile in a state of
-pseudo-paralysis (Fig. 18). There may be tenderness elsewhere than in
-the long bones. Kerley refers to two cases showing tenderness of the
-spine, and we have seen a similar case. Not infrequently there is
-tenderness of the chest wall, the earliest symptom noted by nurse or
-mother being unaccountable crying whenever the baby is lifted by the
-thorax. This is largely due to the sensitiveness of the ends of the
-cartilage and bone which are pressed together at their junction.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 18.--Infant with marked scurvy. Characteristic
-posture and swelling of right thigh.]
-
-An early sign of infantile scurvy is _beading of the ribs_--the
-development of a "rosary" similar to that characteristic of rickets
-(Fig. 19). This has recently been described by Hess and Unger in an
-article devoted to this subject. That this rosary is truly scorbutic and
-not rhachitic is proved by the fact that it recedes rapidly when
-antiscorbutic foodstuff is given, and that it remains uninfluenced by
-treatment with cod liver oil. A similar scorbutic rosary occurs in
-guinea-pig scurvy, but has been termed "pseudo-rhachitic." It is
-important that this sign should be recognized, as it is probable that
-much of the confusion regarding the relationship and frequent
-association of these two diseases is due to considering the beading
-rhachitic. The interpretation of infantile scurvy as "acute rickets,"
-the view held previous to the writings of Barlow, was based largely on
-the development of the rosary. To-day the error is made of regarding
-early scurvy as chronic rickets; the rickets supposed to be occasioned
-by a diet of condensed milk is probably more often scurvy. This beading
-differs generally from the round knobby "rosary" usually encountered. It
-is more angular, the junction taking on a step-like form, as if the
-abutting ends of the cartilage and the bone were of unequal size, and
-not well fitted to each other. In the accompanying radiograph (Fig. 19)
-it will be noted that the "beads" present an irregular appearance.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 19.--Same infant as in figure 17. Scorbutic beading
-of the ribs (rosary). This developed on a diet which included cod liver
-oil, and decreased when an antiscorbutic was given. Note peculiar ragged
-appearance of "beads."]
-
-In Figs. 6, 16 and 17 will be seen illustrations of a _separation of the
-epiphyses_ of the head of the humerus, and of partial and of complete
-separation of the lower ends of the femora. This is a frequent lesion of
-fully developed scurvy in infants, children, and even in young adults.
-It is most frequent at the lower end of the femur, the upper end of the
-tibia, the head of the humerus, and the costochondral junctions. It is
-to these epiphyseal separations that the term fracture or infraction
-usually refers. Union is remarkably perfect even where no splint has
-been employed, and nature has effected the cure (Fig. 7). Occasionally
-there is some deformity, as when coxa vara develops. The callus is often
-remarkably large; an old callus sometimes undergoes destruction in the
-course of scurvy.
-
-We have referred to use of röntgenograms in connection with separation
-of the epiphyses, subperiosteal hemorrhage, cardiac enlargement and
-beading of the ribs. In addition to its application in these
-connections, the X-ray may be of service to show a peculiar alteration
-of the ends of the long bones--_the white line of Fraenkel_. This is
-portrayed in Fig. 20. It is best seen at the lower ends of the radius
-and femur, and appears as a white, transverse, somewhat irregular band.
-Its diagnostic value has been greatly exaggerated, as it is frequently
-not present when the disease is advanced (observe radiographs
-illustrating separation of the epiphyses). This sign should therefore
-not be relied on for establishing the diagnosis. Furthermore, changes
-may be seen in connection with rickets (cases receiving antiscorbutic
-diet) which are very difficult to differentiate from the "white line."
-It cannot be employed as a criterion of the progress of the case, as it
-may persist for months after all other signs and symptoms have
-disappeared.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 20.--Radiograph. Infant 14 months of age, showing
-"_white line_" at wrist some months after cure of scurvy.]
-
-The joints may be involved in scurvy. In most instances, however, where
-swelling of the joints is diagnosed, the lesion is periarticular. An
-effusion of serum or of blood does occur occasionally into the joints
-and has been found at operation, at necropsy, and by puncture. If these
-effusions are allowed to go undisturbed, to be absorbed as a result of
-antiscorbutic treatment, they rarely suppurate. Czerny and Keller
-report the articular fluid as invariably sterile.
-
-The cardiovascular system has been given but scant attention in
-connection with scurvy. Adults complain not infrequently of palpitation
-and pain over the pericardium, or rather of a tightness or oppression in
-the chest. Little information is given regarding the size of the heart.
-Darling described enlargement of the heart, especially a right-sided
-hypertrophy, which he thought was pathognomonic of the Rand type of
-scurvy. The pulse is described in some cases as slow, and in others as
-rapid. In descriptions of infantile scurvy the entire subject is
-generally passed over without mention--for example, in the excellent
-report of the American Pediatric Society nothing whatsoever is stated
-regarding the heart's action or the pulse. Barlow wrote: "There is
-nothing to note regarding the heart and lungs."
-
-In a paper written a few years ago, it was pointed out by the author
-that there is frequently enlargement of the heart, and more especially
-of the right heart. This can be elicited at the bedside and has been
-substantiated in numerous cases by means of the Röntgen-ray, which
-demonstrates not only enlargement of the heart, but also a marked
-broadening at its base, at the site of the large vessels (Fig. 21).
-These phenomena resemble closely the description of Reinhard in cases of
-beriberi.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 21.--Radiograph. Scorbutic infant 14 months of age,
-showing cardiac enlargement and broadening of shadow at base of heart.]
-
-Necropsy protocols usually are incomplete and unsatisfactory in their
-descriptions of the heart. The excellent monograph of Schoedel and
-Nauwerk, however, which reports five careful necropsies, contains the
-following data regarding three:
-
-1. Pericardial fluid somewhat increased, both ventricles moderately
-dilated, the right somewhat hypertrophic.
-
-2. The heart showed a hypertrophy of the right and left ventricles, as
-well as dilatation of the right ventricle.
-
-3. The right ventricle dilated and slightly hypertrophied, the muscles
-pale and tough.
-
-In addition to this enlargement of the heart, or perhaps associated with
-it, there is a combination of signs which has been termed "_the
-cardiorespiratory syndrome_" (Hess). It will be noted in the above
-description of a case of subacute scurvy, that the pulse- or heart-beat
-was frequently over 150, and the respiration 60. These phenomena were
-noted in several instances before their significance and intimate
-relationship to scurvy were realized. The heart-beat not infrequently is
-found to be 200 per minute, and to be characterized by marked
-lability--increasing to an astonishing degree as the result of slight
-exertion or excitement. A mild febrile disturbance causing a rise of
-temperature to little more than 100° F. will send the pulse-rate up 30
-beats. It must not be thought that this refers to severe cases; the
-babies we have in mind are similar to the one cited as an instance of
-subacute scurvy. Apparently they are not ill, but show merely some
-tenderness of the thighs, pallor, and the other minor signs described.
-The cardiographic tracings showed a simple tachycardia with an
-exceptionally tall T-wave in some tracings, such as is commonly seen in
-exophthalmic goitre (Fig. 22).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 22.--Electrocardiogram in case showing
-cardiorespiratory syndrome. Tachycardia with exceptionally tall T-wave.]
-
-The rapidity of respirations is perhaps a more delicate indicator of
-this disturbance than the pulse and has been found to be markedly
-affected when the latter was merely slightly increased in rate. For
-example, in one instance the respirations were 64, 60 and 64 on three
-successive days, while the pulse was 124, 141 and 136; in other words,
-there was a 2:1 instead of the normal 4:1 pulse-respiration ratio. The
-accompanying chart (Fig. 15) illustrates the phenomenon in all its
-details better than a verbal description. There is one point in
-connection with it, to which especial attention should be called. This
-is a reaction evident at a glance at the chart--the sharp drop in the
-pulse and in the respiratory rate when orange juice was given. It is the
-essence of the phenomenon; a therapeutic response which proves that the
-rapidity is scorbutic in nature.
-
-The main involvement of the _respiratory system_ in scurvy is the
-polypnoea just described in connection with the cardiorespiratory
-syndrome. There is no aphonia, a sign so typical of adult and of
-infantile beriberi, although at times the voice is abnormal and whining.
-The lungs frequently show some dullness posteriorly, which may be due to
-engorgement or to the pressure of the enlarged heart. Pneumonia is a
-frequent complication and edema a terminal event. Hydrothorax associated
-with hydropericardium is of frequent occurrence, and was noted in the
-early description of this disease in adults and in the first account of
-Barlow. These effusions rarely progress to what may be termed the
-clinical degree and under antiscorbutic treatment are rapidly absorbed.
-
-It is commonly thought that scurvy does not involve _the nervous
-system_; that this is a feature which distinguishes it sharply from
-beriberi, another "deficiency disease." This view is incorrect, for the
-nervous system is probably affected in many cases of scurvy. The
-rapidity and lability of the pulse, combined with the rapid
-respirations, would seem to be due to a disturbance of the vagus
-mechanism. It is true that in beriberi the vagus is involved to a still
-greater extent, especially its recurrent laryngeal branch which brings
-about the characteristic aphonia. In scurvy the knee-reflexes are
-generally increased. Very rarely they are absent in infantile scurvy, as
-described in adults. It is impossible to judge whether the pain and
-tenderness in infants are due in part to a sensitiveness of the nerve
-trunks as well as of the periosteum. Careful studies in adult scurvy
-should furnish an answer to this question. No methodical examination
-for areas of anæsthesia or paræsthesia, signs which occur so frequently
-in connection with beriberi, has been carried out in scurvy. In certain
-epidemics, however, pains in the limbs have been prominent symptoms.
-
-The optic discs are generally pale in both infants and in adults, with
-occasional signs of neuredema. Nyctalopia, so frequently encountered,
-must be regarded as a circulatory symptom rather than as one of nervous
-origin.
-
-In a recent paper the author described a focal degeneration of the
-lumbar cord in a case of infantile scurvy, the lesion involving mainly
-the anterior horn cells (Figs. 3 and 4). In view of this report it would
-be well to watch for corresponding clinical signs of involvement of the
-spinal cord. Herpes has been described in connection with both adult and
-infantile scurvy. In one of the early cases in the American literature
-Fruitnight reported a case with herpes in a girl five years of age. In
-considering the rôle of the nervous system, mention should be made of
-cases where sweating constituted an important symptom. Finkelstein lays
-particular stress on this symptom in infantile scurvy. We have not met
-with it frequently; possibly it is due in part to complicating rickets.
-
-As would be expected, the nervous system is at times the site of
-hemorrhage. Such lesions cannot, however, be considered essentially
-nervous. For instance, hemorrhage into the meninges may occur, as in the
-case of Sammis, where there was "a general clonic convulsion" before
-death, and a blood-clot 2½ inches long by ½ inch wide was found at
-necropsy between the dura and arachnoid. Fife reported a similar case.
-Finkelstein also has drawn attention to the occurrence of meningeal
-hemorrhage, and Hess and Fish reported obtaining bloody cerebrospinal
-fluid from a case with meningeal symptoms. Recently Aschoff and Koch
-have depicted hemorrhages in the sheath of the sciatic nerve, which
-undoubtedly must have given rise to symptoms during life.
-
-In view of many of these symptoms, especially those involving the vagus,
-scurvy must be looked upon as a disorder which may seriously affect the
-nervous system. Furthermore, when we note the marked reaction brought
-about by the antiscorbutic vitamine--for example, the sharp fall in the
-rate of respirations and of pulse, as shown in Fig. 15, after giving
-orange juice, we must conclude that the antiscorbutic vitamine
-functions, at least indirectly as an antineuritic vitamine--that it must
-possess this character to allay the various nervous signs of this
-disorder.
-
-The urinary system is frequently involved in the course of scurvy. Among
-38 cases Still reports that 89 per cent. gave evidence of urinary
-changes and that 60 per cent. showed hæmaturia. Finkelstein found
-urinary signs in at least a third of his cases. Our figures, the result
-of a study of subacute and mildly acute cases, correspond more nearly
-with those of Finkelstein.
-
-The occurrence of pronounced renal hemorrhage as a first symptom of
-scurvy is emphasized in many descriptions of this disease, and has
-impressed itself in the minds of physicians. It is true that this occurs
-sometimes at the onset, as does hemorrhage into or about the joints, or
-hemorrhage behind the eyeball. It is well to bear these possibilities in
-mind, but they must be regarded as very exceptional early signs of this
-disorder. We have encountered frank hæmaturia but once in the early
-stage of infantile scurvy. The blood emanates generally from the
-kidneys, although the submucous hemorrhages of the bladder as well as in
-the urethra, described both in man and in guinea-pigs, indicate that the
-blood in the urine may have its origin lower down in the tract. This
-bleeding should be regarded not as a sign of nephritis, but rather as a
-hemorrhagic manifestation. It is less frequent in adults than in
-infants. O'Shea reports some degree of hemorrhage in 15 per cent. of his
-cases (adults).
-
-A true nephritis, however, may occur in connection with scurvy. There
-may be albumen and many casts, or a urine loaded with casts and
-cylindroids. These peculiar casts may appear suddenly, as in the
-alimentary intoxication of infants, and disappear just as rapidly when
-antiscorbutic treatment is given. The urine may contain a large number
-of pus cells as in pyelitis. This condition may be accompanied by
-irregular fever, but in two instances we have encountered it where the
-temperature was normal. It is to be regarded, probably, merely as one of
-the manifestations of secondary infection so commonly associated with
-scurvy. Some pus cells may continue to be present in the urine for a
-period of months. This is likewise true of the red cells. We have under
-observation at present an infant which had subacute scurvy almost three
-years ago and still has red blood-cells in the urine.
-
-Oliguria is a common symptom of both adult and infantile scurvy. Lind
-mentioned this symptom, and in this connection remarks on the beneficent
-effect of antiscorbutic treatment. Charpentier called attention to the
-fact that in a case of scurvy the urine decreased from 1250 g. to 800 g.
-The report of the American Pediatric Society mentions scanty urine in 9
-cases and suppression of urine in one. This sign, however, was not
-emphasized until recently, when Gerstenberger, and Hess and Unger drew
-attention to its frequent occurrence in infants. It has some diagnostic
-significance and should be borne in mind where a decreased excretion of
-urine is reported. A counterpart of this symptom is the sudden
-outpouring of urine frequently noted after antiscorbutic treatment has
-been instituted. This polyuria accounts for the loss of weight or lack
-of gain which sometimes accompanies unmistakable general improvement,
-and which is difficult otherwise to understand (Fig. 23). It is
-interesting to learn that oliguria occurs commonly in both adult and
-infantile beriberi.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 23.--Joseph G., aged 9 months. Chart showing
-stationary weight (due to oliguria followed by diuresis) in spite of
-marked variation of fluid intake. A=Schloss milk; B=cod liver oil; C=egg
-yolk; D=1 ounce of orange juice; E=potato (orange juice stopped).]
-
-One of the earliest, as well as one of the most constant symptoms of
-scurvy, is a _lack of appetite_. It is a typical sign of latent scurvy,
-although occasionally we have met with cases where the appetite remained
-unimpaired until the hemorrhagic stage was reached. In adults there is
-sometimes bulimia and a marked capriciousness of the appetite. Anorexia
-is a true scorbutic symptom, disappearing with remarkable rapidity when
-antiscorbutic food is given, and not capable of alleviation by tincture
-of gentian or other vegetable bitters. Whether it depends upon a lack of
-secretions in the gastro-intestinal tract is not known, as there has
-been no thorough study of this aspect of the disorder. The hydrochloric
-acid generally is deficient in cases of scurvy. Recently McCarrison has
-laid emphasis on the importance of the impairment of the digestion and
-assimilative function in scurvy. This subject gains added interest in
-view of the recent reports of Uhlmann as well as of Voegtlin, showing
-that water-soluble vitamine acts as a stimulant for the various
-secretions of the gastro-intestinal tract.
-
-As a result of McCollum's statement that scurvy is due mainly to
-_constipation_, marked attention has been directed recently to the
-action of the bowels in this disorder. This question has been discussed
-in the chapter on etiology, and, therefore, will be referred to in this
-place merely from the clinical viewpoint. In our experience the activity
-of the bowel varies greatly in cases of latent or subacute scurvy. In a
-great many instances it has been normal; more often there has been
-slight constipation, and exceptionally there has been irregular
-diarrhoea. In other words, no causative relationship or parallelism
-could be observed between the emptying of the intestinal tract and the
-development of scurvy. This in general has been the experience of
-others. In the report of the American Pediatric Society the bowels are
-stated as having been regular in 74 cases, irregular in 15, constipated
-in 126, and diarrhoeal in 65. It may be added that we were unable to
-cure scurvy by means of liquid petrolatum or phenolphthalein, either in
-infants or in guinea-pigs, and likewise unable to protect guinea-pigs
-from scurvy by means of various laxatives. On the other hand, opium
-given in the form of the camphorated tincture did not lead to an
-intensification of the symptoms, although, in one case, the bowels did
-not move for over three days.
-
-As complications involving the gastro-intestinal tract may be mentioned
-the vomiting of blood, which is stated in the above report as occurring
-in 2 of the 361 cases, as well as bleeding from the bowel, which was
-noted in 37 cases, in 12 of which there was bloody diarrhoea. However,
-these are late symptoms, and correspond to the mycotic ulcers which are
-so frequently found, especially in the large intestine, in cases of
-scurvy. Mention may again be made of the fact that hemorrhages may occur
-under the peritoneum and give rise to symptoms simulating appendicitis
-or general peritonitis.
-
-Jaundice has been described in connection with certain epidemics of
-scurvy. To our knowledge it has not been reported in infants.
-
-The presence of worms has been frequently reported in the bowel or in
-the stool of patients suffering from beriberi. There have been no
-similar investigations in relation to scurvy. It would be interesting to
-inquire into this question, as it is quite possible that a lack of
-antiscorbutic foodstuff may favor the presence of parasites in the
-intestinal canal.
-
-Before closing this consideration of the involvement of the alimentary
-tract, we would call attention to the relation of stomatitis to scurvy.
-Among adults this is a common complication. In infants it is uncommon,
-due to the absence of carious teeth and secondary infection; we have
-encountered it in but two instances. Stomatitis is of importance in this
-connection, as it frequently develops on the basis of malnutrition,
-scurvy being one of the disorders which may constitute the substratum.
-Such may be the case where stomatitis occurs in epidemic form--for
-example, among large bodies of troops. It may be remarked that
-stomatitis at times was a very common disease among the soldiers in the
-recent war.
-
- TABLE 4
- THE PLATELETS AND OTHER BLOOD-CELLS IN SCURVY
- ======================================================================
- Name | Date | Platelets | Leuko- | Erythro- | Hmgl. % | Remarks
- | | | cytes | cytes | (Sahli) |
- -----+------+-----------+--------+-----------+---------+--------------
- M. H.| 5/ 3 | 280,000 | ...... | ......... | .. |
- | 5/ 4 | 248,000 | 10,000 | ......... | .. |
- | 5/ 5 | ....... | ...... | ......... | .. |Boiled orange
- | | | | | | juice given.
- | 5/ 8 | ....... | ...... | 4,300,000 | 35 |
- | 5/16 | ....... | 15,900 | ......... | .. |
- | 7/ 2 | ....... | 6,800 | 5,456,000 | 40 |Well but pale.
- A. L.| 5/ 3 | 300,000 | ...... | ......... | .. |
- | 5/ 5 | ....... | 21,000 | ......... | .. |
- | 5/ 9 | ....... | ...... | 5,480,000 | .. |
- | 5/11 | 382,000 | ...... | ......... | .. |
- | 5/13 | ....... | ...... | ......... | 65 |
- | 5/16 | ....... | 11,500 | ......... | .. |
- H. C.| 5/ 8 | 320,000 | 20,000 | ......... | .. |
- | 5/ 9 | ....... | ...... | 5,340,000 | .. |
- | 5/13 | ....... | ...... | ......... | 70 |
- | 5/16 | 362,000 | ...... | ......... | .. |
- B. B.| 5/ 4 | 496,000 | 21,000 | ......... | .. |A severe case.
- | 5/13 | 585,000 | 14,000 | 3,200,000 | 70 |
- | 5/18 | ....... | 17,600 | ......... | .. |
- | 7/13 | ....... | 40,000 |=7,672,000=| 82 |Has gained well
- | | | | | | lately.
- | 7/15 | ....... | ...... |=7,640,000=| 88 |
- H. Y.| 5/15 | 560,000 | ...... | ......... | .. |
- | 5/16 | 424,000 | ...... | ......... | .. |
- | 7/ 9 | ....... | ...... | 5,750,000 | 45 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-Scurvy is associated with an alteration of both _the blood and the
-blood-vessels_. The characteristic pallor, which is one of the most
-common as well as earliest symptoms, is due in a large measure to the
-anemia. This anemia is of the secondary type, but has definite
-peculiarities, and does not resemble that encountered in the course of
-tuberculosis, rickets or marasmus. The hemoglobin is greatly diminished,
-far out of proportion to the decrease in the number of the red cells.
-Not infrequently we will find a hemoglobin index of 0.5. Table 4, above
-taken from the article on this subject by Hess and Fish (1914), brings
-out the details of the blood-picture. It shows that there may be a
-polycythemica, which may persist after the other signs of the disorder
-have disappeared. Brandt has recently made similar observations,
-reporting in one instance over ten million red cells two months after
-treatment. In soldiers suffering from scurvy Wassermann has encountered
-cases where, during convalescence, the red-cell count has risen to over
-six or seven millions and the hemoglobin to 110 or 120 per cent. Under
-the microscope the red cells show poikilocytosis, anisocytosis and a
-lack of hemoglobin; they are slightly enlarged, with the occasional
-occurrence of exceptionally large cells resembling the "dropsical cells"
-described in connection with chlorosis. Sometimes a few nucleated red
-cells and myeloblasts are seen; megaloblasts are also reported.[48] The
-blood-picture bears a remarkable similarity to that of chlorosis, a
-point of interest, in view of the fact that both scurvy and chlorosis
-have been attributed to a disordered function of the endocrine glands.
-The "dropsical cells" suggest a disturbance of the salt balance in the
-plasma. In some cases we have found a decreased fragility of the red
-cells, which also has been described in chlorosis.
-
-[48] Senator regarded the marrow in scurvy as being aplastic. Nobécourt,
-Tixier and Maillet report postmortem examinations where the marrow
-showed an increased number of myelocytes and nucleated red cells of
-various kinds. They consider the typical blood change an intense myeloid
-reaction of the blood.
-
-The total number of leucocytes is slightly increased. In our cases the
-mononuclear cells have averaged 66 per cent., which is somewhat high
-even for infants. This has been the experience of Labor, who, however,
-also describes an eosinophilia during convalescence, a phenomenon which
-we have not encountered. Some describe a marked increase in the
-polynuclear cells, which, probably, is to be regarded as the reaction to
-secondary infections. There is indeed a marked difference of opinion in
-regard to the morphology of the blood in scurvy in adults as well as in
-infants. Some found a large number of one type of cell--for example,
-nucleated red cells, myelocytes, eosinophiles--whereas others have
-failed to observe an increase of these cells. The divergent reports
-probably should be attributed to the fact that the investigators are
-describing scurvy of various grades of severity, of different stages of
-development, or complicated by intercurrent disease.
-
-Nobécourt, Tixier, and Maillet have questioned whether there is always
-complete recovery from this anemia, which is severe from the standpoint
-of hemoglobin and iron. The older authors reported instances where men
-have been weakly and ailing for the remainder of their lives after an
-attack of scurvy. In some infants pallor and anemia may persist for
-months after apparent cure; however, this is the exception rather than
-the rule.
-
-In view of the fact that scurvy frequently is classed as a hemorrhagic
-disease, and that hemorrhages play such an important rôle in its
-symptomatology, a consideration of the factors concerned in the
-_coagulability of the blood_ is of interest. In an investigation (Hess
-and Fish) it was found that the oxalated plasma (of blood taken directly
-from a vein) showed a slightly delayed coagulation time--eight to
-fourteen minutes. The "bleeding time" carried out according to the
-simple method of Duke was slightly increased. Holt reports a case where
-a child bled to death following incision into an epiphyseal swelling at
-the lower end of the femur. The number of blood platelets is increased,
-running parallel, as is usually the case, with the number of red cells
-(Table 4). This increase in the blood-platelets, recently confirmed by
-Tobler and by Brandt, is a very exceptional phenomenon, and was not
-anticipated in connection with a disorder characterized by hemorrhage.
-The antithrombin content of the plasma is normal.
-
-The investigation was directed to a study of the integrity of the
-blood-vessels in order to account for the hemorrhages. To this end the
-"capillary resistance test" was devised.[49] In the majority of cases
-this was found to be "positive" (the blood-vessels showing an increased
-permeability) and to become negative when antiscorbutics were given and
-the symptoms disappeared. This shows that the cellular structure of the
-vessels is altered in the course of scurvy, and indicates probably that
-this is an important cause of the hemorrhages. The edema of the face and
-ankles, the outflow of serum into the body cavities and into the muscles
-(Barlow) must be regarded as other evidences of the inadequacy of the
-vessel walls. The tendency of children with exudative diathesis to
-develop scurvy is perhaps still another manifestation of vascular
-weakness. This point of view has been strengthened recently by the
-pathological studies of Aschoff and Koch, who regard scurvy as a
-nutritional disorder in which there is a lack of some colloidal
-substance needed for the normal structure of the vessels.
-
-[49] A blood-pressure band, or tourniquet, is placed about the arm, and
-the pressure increased until the forearm becomes cyanosed and the radial
-pulse is almost obliterated. The pressure is then maintained at this
-level for 3 minutes. The principle of this test consists in subjecting
-the capillaries and venules to increased intra-vascular pressure to
-observe whether this strain results in the escape of blood. In infants
-the pressure was usually raised to 90 mm.; in some cases it had to be
-raised higher in order to entirely obstruct the return flow of the
-blood.
-
-The test is considered to be "positive" when the forearm shows many
-petechial spots. In normal infants petechiæ were almost always absent,
-or there were few to be seen. This is not a specific test for scurvy,
-but demonstrates a weakness of the vessel walls, whatsoever may be the
-cause. It is found to be positive in the majority of cases of scurvy.
-
-When one makes a subcutaneous puncture in infants suffering from scurvy,
-a small hemorrhage very often develops at the site of the puncture
-wound. This is not the case when one makes a hypodermic puncture in a
-normal person or in a hemophiliac, although it does occur in cases of
-purpura. This "stick test" is not a constant sign of scurvy, but, like
-the capillary resistance test, was found in many cases and disappeared
-with the subsidence of the disorder. It shows that the cells of the skin
-and subcutaneous tissues are affected, and possibly that their
-thromboplastic power is diminished.
-
-=Nutrition and Growth.=--The general nutrition suffers in scurvy as the
-disease progresses. It is a mistake, however, to picture the scorbutic
-individual, either adult or infant, as in a state of malnutrition. Not
-infrequently he appears well nourished, an appearance which is
-heightened by the slight edema of the face. Infants generally for a
-period of weeks or months preceding the onset maintain a stationary
-weight. This may be the only sign of the scorbutic condition. For
-example:
-
- An infant seen in 1915 gained about one-half a pound during the
- months of February, March, April and May. At this time it was
- somewhat over 9 months of age and had never received raw milk or
- other antiscorbutic food. In June it was given orange-peel juice,
- and gained 2 pounds within a month. There were no other scorbutic
- signs or symptoms, and no loss of appetite during the months of
- February and March, although the baby was suffering from a
- progressive scurvy.
-
-The growth impulse of the body throughout an attack of scurvy remains
-unimpaired, being merely in an inactive or quiescent state. Fig. 14
-shows this very well, demonstrating that when an antiscorbutic food is
-added to the dietary the gain may be abnormally great--there may be
-supergrowth. Generally such marked increases are due to an increase in
-the consumption of food, following the stimulation of the appetite.
-However, decided gain in weight may follow the giving of orange juice or
-other antiscorbutic despite the fact that the intake of food is
-maintained at the same level.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 24.--Development of scurvy in spite of normal gain
-in weight in a baby who had been underfed since birth.]
-
-Although it may be stated as a principle that the development of scurvy
-is accompanied by a failure to gain in weight, there are exceptions to
-this rule. Under certain conditions the weight may follow a perfectly
-normal course during the entire period. Fig. 24 illustrates this
-clinical paradox:
-
- A baby was seen in January, when it was 7½ months of age. Toward
- the end of February, in spite of constant and normal gain in weight,
- he manifested unmistakable signs of scurvy--peridental hemorrhage
- over the upper incisor teeth, which were erupting, and tenderness of
- the lower ends of the femora. The scorbutic nature of these signs
- were substantiated by their prompt subsidence on the administration
- of orange juice. We explain the phenomenon as follows: This baby had
- been starved in a two-fold sense throughout the first months of its
- life--it had received a diet lacking in caloric value as well as
- deficient in antiscorbutic vitamine. Its growth impulse had been
- held in abeyance for months by both of these factors. When
- sufficient calories were supplied in the dietary, growth was no
- longer repressed, and a steady gain resulted in spite of the
- continued inadequacy of the antiscorbutic factor.
-
-It has been shown that during the period of infancy undernourishment
-must be extreme to occasion stunting of growth in length. In animals
-Aron demonstrated that lack of nutrition led to a decrease of the fat
-and of the muscle of the body, but that the skeleton nevertheless
-continued to grow, and the ash content of the body to increase. In
-marasmus, or infantile atrophy, the baby usually grows in length,
-although its weight remains stationary or decreases. In scurvy we have
-shown that there is frequently a definite retardation of growth in
-length, an observation which has been recently confirmed by Epstein in
-babies which developed this disorder in the foundling asylum of Prague
-during the war. This fact shows how profoundly the metabolism must be
-disturbed by this disorder. Figure 25 portrays this retardation in
-growth and the sharp reaction when orange juice was added to the
-dietary. It also demonstrates that the growth impulse remains unimpaired
-and capable of quick response when the essential food factor is
-furnished.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 25.--Showing retardation of growth in length during
-the period when no orange juice was given and supergrowth when it was
-given once more, O. J.=orange juice. O. P. J.= orange-peel juice. Lower
-curve represents the normal.]
-
-=Fever.=--Fever frequently accompanies scurvy. It is generally of a low
-grade, ranging between 100° and 101°, as may be seen in Fig. 15. There
-is a difference of opinion as to whether the rise of temperature should
-be considered as truly scorbutic in nature, as "scorbutic fever," or
-regarded merely as a condition grafted upon the nutritional disturbance.
-A phenomenon which might seem to argue for its essential scorbutic
-character is the sharp subsidence on giving antiscorbutic food. On the
-other hand, this may quite as well be interpreted as due to a secondary
-reaction, checking the absorption of toxins or bacteria. High
-temperatures--for example, fever of 103° or over--are attributable to a
-complicating infection and should lead to careful examination for the
-source of the trouble; pyelitis should particularly be borne in mind. In
-a recent case fever of uncertain origin disappeared following the
-transfusion of blood.
-
-We have already considered numerous _complications_ of scurvy, and shall
-therefore not go over this ground again. Many of them are due to
-hemorrhages or to serous effusions in various parts of the body. Another
-large group in adults as well as in infants are the result of infection.
-The respiratory tract is particularly susceptible, pneumonia
-constituting the most common cause of death. In infants we meet with
-frequent attacks of "grippe," widespread occurrence of _nasal
-diphtheria_, furunculosis and torpid ulcers of the skin, pyelitis,
-otitis, adenitis, etc. We have encountered nasal diphtheria--with
-typical bloody mucous discharge--so frequently in connection with
-scurvy, that where this local infection occurs among a group of infants
-they should be carefully examined for latent or mild scurvy. Aschoff and
-Koch recently have laid emphasis on the frequency with which diphtheria
-complicated scurvy among adults (soldiers). Dysentery is another
-complication resulting from an invasion of bacteria. Local infections
-occur more often in adults than in infants--cervical adenitis following
-gingival pyorrhoea, "bubo" of the groin following infection of the
-lower extremity, abscess of the calf of the leg following hemorrhage
-into this region.
-
-Scurvy sometimes occurs in _epidemic form_, especially in the army, but
-also, as in Russia, among the civilian population. This results when a
-large group of individuals have been maintained on a limited and
-inadequate ration, and especially where this nutritional condition is
-complicated by intercurrent infection. It should not be interpreted as
-evidence of the bacterial origin of scurvy. A few years ago the author
-reported an epidemic of scurvy in connection with an outbreak of grippe
-in an infant asylum. Twelve infants in one ward were affected. The signs
-were atypical--an undue degree of hemorrhage occurring at atypical sites
-(Table 5). It will be noted from the table that the ages of the infants,
-the distribution of the hemorrhages, the development of signs (in some
-instances) in spite of antiscorbutic treatment, the sharply defined
-epidemic character, distinguish these cases from the scurvy commonly
-seen. This is an instance where latent scurvy was prematurely changed to
-acute scurvy by an intercurrent ward infection; an epidemic of grippe
-precipitated a pseudo-epidemic of scurvy. It is important, especially
-for army surgeons, to bear in mind that where latent scurvy exists a
-bacterial invasion will lend the disorder a hemorrhagic character. This
-has been noted during the recent war in connection with typhus fever on
-the Eastern front, and was remarked upon during the Crimean War and our
-War of the Rebellion. Some years ago Wherry made a similar observation
-in the course of experiments with the plague bacillus--guinea-pigs fed
-on a cereal diet developed far more hemorrhages subsequent to infection
-than those which received cabbage in addition.
-
- TABLE 5
- DATA OF EPIDEMIC OF SCURVY
- ====================================================================
- |Age|Weight| Site of | | |
- Case| , |_lbs._| Hemor- | Date | Diet | Remarks
- |Mos| _oz._| rhages | | |
- -----+---+------+----------+-------+--------------+-----------------
- 1. | 6½| 9 6|Humerus, |Apr. 19|Breast milk |Grippe since end
- J. H.| | | tibia, | | (1 week); | of February;
- | | | face. | | pasteurized | nephritis;
- | | 10 4|Upper |May 9| milk | v. Pirquet
- | | | eyelid | | previously. | negative.
- 2. | 5| 12 14|External |May 4|Pasteurized |Twitchings and
- L. S.| | | ear, | | milk formula;| convulsions;
- | | | parietal | | orange juice | signs of intoxi-
- | | | bones, | | 1 oz. daily | cation; red
- | | | vertebral| | since April | cells in urine
- | | | column, | | 22. | blood fever to
- | | | abdominal| | | 101° F.; v. Pir-
- | | | wall | | | quet negative.
- 3. | 10| 12 8|Femur |Apr. 19|Pasteurized |Grippe end of
- A. R.| | | | | milk formula;| January; again
- | | | | | vegetables | in April; fever
- | | |Femur |June 4| for a month; | until April 17;
- | | | again | | orange juice | v. Pirquet
- | | | swollen | | longer; get- | positive;
- | | | and | | ting orange | gums negative.
- | | | tender. | | juice and |
- | | | | | vegetables. |
- 4. | 5| 7 |Both ears;|Apr. 29|Breast milk |Grippe through-
- D. E.| | | parietal | | since April | out March; in-
- | | | bones. | | 19; May 30, | toxication;
- | | | | | changed to | nephritis; no
- | | | | | pasteurized | relapse although
- | | | | | milk. | no orange juice
- | | | | | | given.
- 5. | 10| 15 13|Ear and |Apr. 27|Pasteurized |Two teeth;
- T. K.| | | face | | milk, cereal,| gums negative;
- | | | | | vegetable, | v. Pirquet
- | | | | | soup; orange | negative.
- | | | | | juice since |
- | | | | | April 15. |
- 6. | 4| 8 4|Tibia |May 8|Pasteurized |Grippe end of
- P. G.| | | | | milk | February and
- | | | | | formula. | first half of
- | | | | | | March gained 20
- | | | | | | oz. during last
- | | | | | | month; v. Pir-
- | | | | | | quet negative.
- 7. | 2| 6 4|Abdomen |Mar. 7|Breast milk |Grippe; probable
- I. P.| | | | | for past | source of
- | | | | | week; past- | epidemic.
- | | | | | eurized milk |
- | | | | | previously. |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-DIAGNOSIS
-
-A correct and early _diagnosis_ of scurvy is the more important in view
-of the fact that we possess a specific remedy, and that the disorder is
-not self-limited. Recognition generally presents little difficulties for
-those who have seen cases, but is a stumbling block where the
-symptomatology has been gleaned merely from the textbooks. It has been
-our experience that medical students who were conversant with scurvy
-from a theoretical standpoint failed to diagnose a case presented to
-them in the clinic. Where diagnosis is uncertain, the most important aid
-is an exact knowledge of the previous diet, and observation of the
-reaction of the patient to antiscorbutic treatment. These diagnostic
-points should be constantly remembered in relation to the discussion
-which follows, and will not be reiterated in the differentiation of
-scurvy from the various other diseases.
-
-The scurvy of adults and of infants are very similar. The main
-difference is the subjective symptoms in the adult--pains in various
-parts of the body--and the fact that the gums are frequently the site of
-infection and ulceration, as well as of hemorrhage. It might be thought
-that when scurvy occurs in epidemic form it would be readily
-recognized, but experience shows that for months it may permeate the
-ranks of troops or the inmates of almshouses, and pass as rheumatism.
-This is the cardinal diagnostic error in adult as well as in infantile
-scurvy--time and again, and in spite of urgent and repeated warnings,
-patients continue to be treated for _rheumatism_. Holt writes: "In fully
-four-fifths of the cases which have come to my own notice this
-(rheumatism) has been the previous diagnosis." Such has been our
-experience. The diagnosis should not be difficult. In sporadic cases,
-the individual has limited his diet usually on account of indigestion,
-or diarrhoea, or following some dietetic whim or medical advice given
-months previously. Where scurvy occurs _en masse_ it may follow an
-inability to obtain fresh food--as during war, on shipboard, in the
-Tropics or in the Arctic regions--or be the result of a misplaced
-reliance on some article of food--for example, dehydrated vegetables.
-More careful investigation will disclose that the "rheumatic" pains and
-tenderness are not in the joints but in the muscles and tendons. The
-calf muscles are frequently painful and excessively tender and somewhat
-swollen or infiltrated; the hamstring tendons or the tendo Achilles may
-be sore and slightly swollen and the site of slight subcutaneous
-hemorrhages. In some cases there is bone tenderness, pain on percussion
-of the shins or of the sternum. These signs may be accompanied by, or
-even precede, hemorrhages in the gums. The diagnosis of rheumatism in
-infants indicates a lack of knowledge of pediatrics, as this disease is
-hardly ever encountered in babies under a year and a half of age.
-
-It is not always easy to differentiate scurvy from _purpura_. In either
-disease the gums may be hemorrhagic and swollen, there may be scattered
-subcutaneous hemorrhages and pains in the limbs. Occasionally, as in a
-case seen a few years ago, we may be forced to resort to the dietetic
-test. A close inquiry into the previous diet, however, a history of
-previous attacks of purpura, the number, and especially the large size,
-of the subcutaneous hemorrhages, and above all, the diminished number of
-blood-platelets, should make diagnosis possible. In scurvy the platelets
-are almost always over 300,000 per cubic millimetre, whereas in purpura
-they are reduced to less than 200,000.
-
-In the army it may be difficult to distinguish scurvy from _beriberi_,
-especially if they occur side by side as in the recent English campaign
-in Mesopotamia. There may be a combination of the two diseases, a
-picture similar to ship-beriberi, regarded by Nocht as a hybrid of these
-diseases. The diagnosis is rendered more difficult, as at times scurvy
-is associated with signs of neuritis. We shall have to depend on the
-involvement of the gums and the hemorrhages in scurvy, and on the
-hyperæsthesia, paræsthesia, and anæsthesia in beriberi; marked edema
-points to the latter disease.
-
-We have thus far had in mind frank and outspoken cases of scurvy. When
-we come to consider latent or early cases, the diagnosis is more
-difficult and may have to be merely tentative. All that need be added,
-in view of the clinical picture sketched above, is that this condition
-should not be forgotten in treating adults who have malaise and
-indefinite "rheumatic" pains and, more particularly, in relation to
-infants who fail to gain, whose appetite is capricious, whose
-disposition has become fretful and who have developed the sallow
-scorbutic complexion. This warning is particularly opportune at present
-in the United States, where pasteurized milk is fed so extensively to
-infants, and an antiscorbutic food is not always given.
-
-In addition to the symptoms just enumerated, tenderness of the bones,
-especially of the distal ends of the femora, should be sought for, the
-urine should be examined carefully for red blood-cells, and perhaps the
-ends of the long bones radiographed for "the white line" of Fraenkel.
-
-The experience of Comby with infantile scurvy is illuminating. Among the
-fifty-five cases which he has seen, the diagnosis was erroneous in
-forty-five, and among thirteen cases recently met with, the physician
-failed to recognize the disorder in all but two. The infants had been
-given sodium salicylate, had been treated with electricity and massage
-for the supposed acute poliomyelitis, or given mercury for syphilis, or
-incisions or trephining had been carried out for acute osteomyelitis.
-Some had been put into plaster casts for coxalgia or for Potts' disease.
-This experience requires little comment. It should be added, however,
-that in the course of an epidemic of poliomyelitis, such mistakes are
-apt to happen, and, to our knowledge, did occur in the recent epidemic.
-
-In regard to "_the pseudo-paralysis" of congenital syphilis_ diagnosed
-as scurvy, it should be remembered that this lesion occurs almost always
-before the fifth month of life. A history of previous papular eruption,
-the bilateral enlargement of the epitrochlear glands, and the Wassermann
-test should suffice to establish the correct diagnosis.
-
-Besides the clinical conditions enumerated above, we may add the
-following, which have been confused with scurvy: Neuritis, hemorrhagic
-nephritis, calculus of the urinary tract, renal tumor, orbital tumor,
-appendicitis, peritonitis, pleurisy and pneumonia. Holt writes as
-follows: "I have known two cases to be operated upon by eminent
-surgeons, once with a diagnosis of sarcoma and once of ostitis of both
-tibiæ. Not until the subperiosteal hemorrhages and epiphyseal
-separations were discovered was the nature of the trouble suspected."
-Recently we saw a case of fracture of the distal end of the femur
-diagnosed as infantile scurvy; the baby had caught its thigh between the
-bars of the crib and snapped the bone in trying to extricate itself.
-Finkelstein adds acute endocarditis, hemorrhagic septicæmia with
-multiple bone swellings, and leukæmia as having been confused with
-scurvy.
-
-In an interesting account of scurvy in the Russian army during the
-recent war, Hoerschelmann states that tired soldiers at times feign
-scurvy. They produce a "pseudo-scurvy" by means of scratching the gums
-with their nails or rubbing them with tobacco, and at the same time
-bring about hemorrhages of the skin by means of trauma.
-
-Scurvy in the breast-fed infant has been fully considered under
-etiology. We wish merely to state again that one cannot be too cautious
-in venturing this diagnosis in a nursing baby. The great majority of
-reported cases are not scurvy, but bacterial infections, syphilis, or
-various forms of intoxication. In establishing a diagnosis the same
-principles hold as in the case of bottle-fed infants.
-
-The most important consideration in the diagnosis of scurvy is to keep
-in mind the heterogeneous character of its symptoms, and the manifold
-diseases with which it may be confused. Surgeons should be alert to this
-danger when about to perform operations for osteomyelitis or bone
-tumor. The mistakes occur because cases are infrequently seen and
-because the signs, being dependent largely upon hemorrhage, occur in
-such varied locations of the body. Where diagnosis cannot be made from
-the signs or symptoms, the most important aid is a thorough acquaintance
-with the previous diet of the individual and observation of his reaction
-to antiscorbutic treatment.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-PROGNOSIS
-
-
-The outcome of scurvy, as we encounter it in peace time in the Temperate
-Zone, is generally favorable, so that it plays but an insignificant
-rôle in our mortality statistics. This results from the fact that we are
-abundantly provided with a specific remedy, so that if the diagnosis is
-made early and treatment is prompt and thorough, the patient will
-rapidly recover and suffer no physical disability. Where antiscorbutic
-foodstuffs are not procurable, however, this disease constitutes a
-terrible scourge, causing many deaths and spreading among an army, a
-ship's crew, or among the civil population with the rapidity of an
-epidemic. For example, the ships of the East India Company in their
-voyages round the Cape often lost nearly one-half of their crews, and in
-Lord Anson's famous voyage round the world 380 out of 510 seamen
-perished from the disease. Moreover, if the antiscorbutic treatment is
-inadequate or the patient goes untreated for a long period, the cure may
-be incomplete, a condition of malnutrition and weakness developing,
-which may persist for years. To appreciate this clinical condition we
-must refer to the account of physicians who saw thousands of cases of
-severe and untreated scurvy among the sailors, who were of necessity
-deprived of aid until they reached land. Lind laid stress on a type of
-this disease which developed under these circumstances and which he
-termed "obstinate scurvy." He writes: "I have met with numerous
-instances not only among the common seamen, but of officers, with whom
-it had taken such deep root in the constitution as to prove a lasting
-affliction to them during a great part of their lives.... Persons are
-likewise subject in different periods of their life afterwards to
-habitual rheumatism, pains and stiffness in their joints; and sometimes
-eruptions on the skin." In his treatise on scurvy, published in 1685,
-Harvey refers to this chronic nutritional disorder as "inveterate
-scurvy." He pictures patients who had gone untreated for a long time as
-"molested with vagrant, ambulative, distending, creeping, vellicating or
-lancinating pains of several parts of the body.... They are often loose
-and subject to falling into violent fluxes of the belly, diarrhoea and
-lienteries."
-
-Infants as well as adults usually recover rapidly and completely from
-scurvy, the result depending largely upon the early recognition of the
-disease. We must always bear in mind, however, that from a histologic
-standpoint the cure is not simultaneous with the magic disappearance of
-the clinical symptoms, but that months probably elapse before the
-tissues return to their normal state. It is difficult to give reliable
-mortality statistics for infantile scurvy, for so many cases are of the
-rudimentary form that percentages are necessarily misleading. Still
-writes that in 5 out of 64 cases the disease proved fatal by diarrhoea
-and exhaustion. The American Pediatric Society reports 29 deaths out of
-397 cases, which gives a similar mortality percentage. When infantile
-scurvy was not so generally recognized by physicians the mortality was
-much higher, and we find that Barlow encountered 7 deaths in his first
-series of 31 cases.
-
-Even when the child recovers it may not regain its normal health if it
-has continued for a prolonged period in a state of chronic scurvy. It
-may remain pale and fail to gain in weight in spite of a liberal and
-well-balanced diet. Cases of this kind are not infrequent. In this
-connection it is worthy of note that 4 of the 41 cases of "coeliac
-disease," an interesting intestinal condition described by Still, had
-scurvy just before or during the onset of the disease. This observation
-conforms to the experience that chronic bowel disorders often follow in
-the wake of adult scurvy.
-
-In adults the heart may be weakened by scurvy, and death may result from
-cardiac failure. Cardiac disturbances occur also in infantile scurvy.
-This involvement might be expected, in view of the tachycardia
-(cardiorespiratory phenomenon) which is so frequent a symptom of
-infantile scurvy. The heart may be rapid for months or even for years
-after the disorder, and tachycardia may develop on the occasion of even
-a mild infectious disease. For example, a fever of 101°, due to a common
-coryza, may cause the heart-beat to rise to perhaps 180 a minute.
-Children so affected succumb readily to infection, especially to
-pneumonia, which may lead to sudden collapse followed by death.
-
-An important factor in the prognosis of scurvy, as in that of other
-disorders due to a lack of vitamines, is the marked susceptibility to
-infection. Even latent or subacute scurvy causes a peculiar
-susceptibility to diphtheria (especially the nasal type), to coryza,
-bronchitis, and pneumonia. A perusal of the literature shows that this
-susceptibility was noted by the older authors in relation to adults.
-
-The local signs usually disappear quickly without leaving any trace. The
-hemorrhages are absorbed and the eczema heals within a few days. The
-fractures unite promptly with the formation of an unusually large
-callus. The urine, which may have contained red blood-cells or have been
-markedly hemorrhagic, quickly becomes normal and, in our experience,
-gives no further evidence of renal damage. Still reports, however, the
-case of a frail child who had a trace of albumen in the urine two years
-after an attack of scurvy. A rare local injury, which may lead to death,
-is cerebral hemorrhage. Recently Sammis reported a case of this kind,
-which was characterized by convulsions during life, and in which
-subdural hemorrhage was found at necropsy.
-
-If we acknowledge an individual idiosyncrasy to scurvy we should expect
-a tendency to a recurrence of the disease. Lind was of this opinion,
-stating that "by observations made on this disease, it appears that
-those who are once afflicted with it, especially in so high a degree as
-that squadron was, are more subject to it afterwards than others." It is
-difficult at the present day to express a personal opinion on this
-matter, as clinical experience is meagre and the scurvy of guinea-pigs
-is so acute that it cannot be used for comparison. Some of the
-recurrences have been due probably to the fact that the patient had not
-been completely cured of his first attack. We have met with two cases of
-recurrences in infants, one of which is of particular interest as it
-happened in spite of giving lemon juice in the intervening period. The
-history was as follows:
-
- In September, 1914, one month after the baby was admitted to the
- institution, it developed scurvy of a moderate grade. It was then
- six months of age and weighed 10¼ pounds. It was put on a simple
- mixture containing from 24 to 30 ounces of pasteurized milk and was
- given in addition ½ ounce of lemon juice a day. It improved, but
- during the winter had bronchitis, otitis, enteritis, and later
- furunculosis. In spite of the fact that it had been receiving an
- antiscorbutic for almost this entire period, it developed scurvy
- once more in February, at the age of 11 months, and when it weighed
- 14½ pounds. It was evident that this baby was peculiarly
- susceptible to scurvy. It may be added that the second attack was
- complicated by nasal diphtheria.
-
-In this connection attention should be drawn to a peculiar and puzzling
-clinical phenomenon, which we have noted several times. Even if the
-antiscorbutic treatment is carried out incompletely and only for a short
-period, recrudescences may not take place. We have seen cases where
-orange juice was given for merely ten days or two weeks--that is, only
-until all scorbutic signs had disappeared,--and yet the scurvy did not
-return, the infants thrived for months thereafter, but were merely
-somewhat pale and undernourished. In the case of two babies which we
-have in mind, the diet remained absolutely unchanged, with the exception
-of the short period of antiscorbutic treatment, but this seemed
-sufficient to bring about a diminished susceptibility.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-TREATMENT
-
-
-"Seek the cure of scurvy neither in the armamentarium of the physician
-nor in the apothecary shops. The druggist will be of as little aid to
-you as the art of the surgeon. On the other hand, employ fresh
-vegetables, the juice of fresh antiscorbutic plants, oranges and lemons
-or the juice of those fruits preserved with sugar; in this way without
-other means you will be able to overcome this terrible disease." This
-reads like the advice of some modern therapeutist; it is, however, the
-conclusion of a physician (Kramer) who wrote on scurvy almost two
-hundred years ago, and shows that the treatment of scurvy has undergone
-no fundamental change in the intervening years. Our resources, however,
-have been amplified by an increased knowledge of the relative value of
-antiscorbutic foodstuffs and by the introduction of some new ones.
-
-=Prevention.=--In the Temperate Zone, under ordinary conditions, the
-adult population consumes sufficient antiscorbutic foodstuff to protect
-it from scurvy. Under exceptional circumstances, however--for example,
-when the potato crop fails, or, in the case of individuals, when the
-diet has been unduly restricted, scurvy will be encountered. This
-disorder is still an important problem, however, in relation to the
-health of adults in the Tropics, in military expeditions and in Polar
-explorations. From what has been stated in the preceding chapter, it is
-evident that, at the present time, no reliance can be placed on
-dehydrated vegetables as a protective agent. The recent suggestion of
-using germinated dried pulses and seeds, under circumstances where fresh
-food is not available, is practical and probably will be resorted to in
-the future. To this end the pulses (beans, peas, lentils) are soaked in
-water for 24 hours, and then kept moist with access of air for about 48
-hours at room temperature. During this period they sprout and develop
-small radicles. They are cooked in the usual way and have been found to
-possess an antiscorbutic value comparable to that of most vegetables. An
-individual should receive about four ounces a day of these sprouted
-seeds. In the treatment of some Serbian soldiers suffering from scurvy,
-Wiltshire found that this amount of germinated beans brought about a
-cure. There are, however, two drawbacks to their general use. The
-prolonged cooking necessary for their preparation reduces their
-antiscorbutic potency, and they have been found indigestible when
-consumed in sufficient quantity.
-
-Under similar conditions canned tomatoes can be employed; they have the
-disadvantage of greater bulk, but are a more potent antiscorbutic,
-require no preparation whatsoever, and are readily digested. They form
-part of the present ration of the United States Army, in which they can
-be given "in lieu of an equal quantity of potatoes not exceeding twenty
-per cent. of the total issue."[50] The necessity of including an
-antiscorbutic in the army ration has been recognized only in recent
-years; during our Civil War and for thirty years thereafter there was no
-such provision. It was stated at that time that a general scorbutic
-taint pervaded the troops--a mere euphemism for the widespread existence
-of subacute or latent scurvy. Even to-day the ration of the French and
-of the Italian armies makes no definite provision in this regard and the
-Russians provide merely for a variable quantity of vegetables.
-
-[50] We have been unable to ascertain through inquiries from the
-Surgeon-General's Office the nature of the experience which led to their
-incorporation in the ration, and whether they were added specifically as
-an antiscorbutic. They appear for the first time in the revision of the
-Army Regulations of 1895. The only reference to the antiscorbutic
-property of canned tomatoes which we have been able to find in the
-literature is in the excellent treatise by Munson on Military Hygiene.
-
-Recently it has been shown that lemon and orange juices (Givens and
-McClugage) can be dried and still preserve their antiscorbutic value. It
-is quite possible that concentrated preparations of this kind will be
-serviceable for army use and in regions where fresh fruit or vegetables
-cannot be obtained.[51]
-
-[51] Since the above was written, an article has appeared by P. W.
-Bassett-Smith (Scurvy: With Special Reference to Prophylaxis in the
-Royal Navy. Lancet, London, 1920, I, 1102) showing that _lemon juice can
-be prepared in tablet form_ and preserve its efficacy for at least three
-months. Each tablet contained the equivalent of 24 c.c. of lemon juice,
-and less than one-fifth of a tablet was sufficient to protect a
-guinea-pig from scurvy. This therapeutic procedure seems of great
-promise in providing an antiscorbutic ration for the navy or the army.
-
-Lind makes numerous ingenious suggestions for preparing antiscorbutic
-remedies (Lind, pp. 7, 8 and 9) which have a practical as well as
-historic interest. (Appendix 1.) One of these includes a formula for the
-preparation of orange and lemon juice which may be preserved for years;
-another gives a method for the preservation of berries and other fruits
-which are to be picked when partly ripe and put up in earthen pots;
-still another gives the recipe for preparing a simple decoction of fir
-tops, which was found by the Swedes efficacious in preventing the
-development of scurvy among their soldiers. It is interesting that a
-similar practice was resorted to in Vienna during the recent war and
-recommended as a prophylactic for scurvy in children (Tobler).
-
-_The prevention of infantile scurvy_, especially in its rudimentary
-form, is of great practical importance, because of its frequent
-occurrence. There is no question but that breast milk and raw cow's milk
-furnish sufficient antiscorbutic vitamine, but there is a difference of
-opinion as to whether pasteurized milk, or milk that has been brought
-just to the boiling-point, or even sterilized milk, is adequate in this
-respect. Much of this divergence of opinion is due to the fact that the
-various clinicians have not considered or stated the quantity of milk
-which they have found sufficient to protect, and also because milk
-itself differs in its antiscorbutic value according to its freshness and
-probably also according to the fodder of the cows.[52] Without entering
-once more into a discussion of this question, it may be stated that
-unless the cow's milk is raw, the infant should receive additional
-antiscorbutic foodstuff. Moreover, this supplement to the dietary should
-be made as soon as possible, so as not to allow the vitamine deficiency
-and inadequate diet to exist for even a short period. In our experience
-there is no contra-indication to the giving of orange juice or of
-strained canned tomato, the two antiscorbutics with which we have had a
-large experience, to babies one month of age or even younger. The common
-practice, however, is to wait until the infant is five or six months of
-age, which certainly must allow a rudimentary scorbutic condition to
-develop. At the age of a month one teaspoonful of orange juice may be
-given; it should be diluted with water and sugar added if it is tart.
-This may be administered notwithstanding the fact that a baby has a
-tendency to looseness of the bowels, as orange juice, as recently
-pointed out by Gerstenberger, has practically no laxative action.
-Occasionally babies regurgitate orange juice, but the reaction usually
-ceases after a day or two. If it does not, a small amount of an
-alkali--for example, limewater or sodium bicarbonate--may be added just
-previous to feeding; in this state the juice will be better
-tolerated.[53] The amount of orange juice should be increased so that
-when the baby is three months of age it receives one tablespoonful.
-
-[52] It is not possible to say exactly how much raw milk a baby needs to
-protect it against the development of scurvy. We may, however, reach an
-approximate estimation of this figure. We know that it takes about 2
-c.c. of orange juice to protect a guinea-pig against manifest scurvy,
-and about 10 c.c. to protect a baby. The ratio, therefore, between the
-guinea-pig and the infant in this regard would seem to be about 5 to 1.
-We also know that it takes about 80 to 100 c.c. daily of fresh cow's
-milk to protect a guinea-pig for long periods. If we assume the ratio of
-5 to 1, it would therefore seem that it would require about 500 c.c. or
-a pint, of fresh raw milk daily as a minimum to protect the baby. (It is
-quite possible that a slight negative balance of the vitamine may exist
-unless a still greater amount is given.)
-
-[53] Orange juice undergoes a decided color change as soon as it has
-become neutral or very slightly alkaline, assuming a more translucent
-and far deeper yellow or amber color. This change may be utilized by the
-attendant in determining the reaction, thus rendering titration or other
-time-consuming methods unnecessary.
-
-A few years ago Hess and Fish recommended the use of an infusion of
-orange peel in infant feeding. The peel was finely grated, soaked
-overnight in water (1 ounce of the peel to 2 ounces of water), and a
-small amount of sugar added to this liquid. Animal experiments showed
-that this preparation possessed decided antiscorbutic value. This
-decoction may well be used for the sake of economy, and even when the
-orange juice is employed the infusion of the peel may be added.
-
-An antiscorbutic which vies with orange or with lemon juice in
-adaptability for infant feeding is _canned tomatoes_, as recently
-suggested by Hess and Unger. Tomatoes are not in good repute among food
-experts in view of the small amount of calories which they contain--only
-about 100 to the pound--and are regarded with suspicion amounting almost
-to superstition by mothers and nurses as a food for children. In spite
-of this fact, it may be stated without hesitation that they are fully as
-well borne by infants a few weeks or months of age as orange or lemon
-juice. In considering antiscorbutics, it has been shown that
-notwithstanding the canning process and subsequent aging, they preserve
-their potency. The dose is two tablespoonfuls for babies over three
-months of age. The tomatoes are merely strained through a colander and
-warmed (not cooked). To illustrate their innocuous character, it may be
-added that as much as 6 and 8 ounces a day of this juice have been given
-to a baby under one year of age without producing untoward symptoms.
-This antiscorbutic should have wide applicability, especially in the
-United States.[54]
-
-[54] There is no relation whatever between the acidity of canned
-vegetables and their possible contamination with tin. Experiments
-carried out to determine this question demonstrated, for example, that a
-"sample of red kidney beans showing the highest acidity contained the
-least tin," and that those samples containing the most tin were all
-relatively low in acidity. (Report of Conn. Agric. Station Bull. 200,
-1917, J. P. Street.)
-
-Another antiscorbutic which can be used in a routine way to prevent
-infantile scurvy is _swede juice_, prepared by grating the raw vegetable
-and squeezing the pulp in muslin. Chick and Rhodes report that this
-juice has been adopted for use in some of the English infant-welfare
-centres. It should be given in about the same dosage as the tomatoes,
-and seems applicable where the swede can be readily obtained.
-
-For babies over six months of age, reliance may be placed on the
-ordinary household vegetables--potatoes, spinach, carrots, squash, etc.
-Attention should be paid to the amount which is taken, as one or two
-teaspoonfuls of a vegetable which is poor in antiscorbutic power, such
-as carrots or beets, will be insufficient to protect against scurvy.
-Especially is this true if the vegetables are old and stale and are
-cooked for a long period;[55] some years ago two infants under our care
-developed scurvy in spite of a small daily ration of vegetables.
-
-[55] Salant, in experiments on rabbits, found that old or winter carrots
-did not have the same protective action against tartrates as young
-carrots, although their diuretic action is the same.
-
-Potato in the amounts usually consumed is a valuable antiscorbutic. It
-is not an exaggeration to state that it is the main antiscorbutic
-bulwark of man. In giving baked potato to children it is commonly
-advised to use the floury part just beneath the peel; this should be put
-through a sieve and mixed thoroughly with boiled milk so as to
-constitute a cream; for younger babies it can be prepared with water to
-form a diluent similar to the barley water so commonly employed to
-dilute cow's milk (1 tablespoonful of potato to a pint of milk, cooked
-for 15 minutes). Little reliance should be placed on beef juice in the
-usual dosage and none on eggs.
-
-=Cure.=--There is almost nothing in the realm of therapy which is so
-striking as a scorbutic patient's prompt reaction to antiscorbutic
-treatment. It is all the more marvelous as the cure is effected by means
-of foodstuffs with which we are accustomed to associate no specific
-virtue. A magic result is seen frequently within 24 or 48 hours. A baby
-which has had a poor appetite, has been irritable and exquisitely
-tender, suddenly regains its appetite, is no longer fretful, and can be
-handled without occasioning crying. Within a week, if the case is mild,
-all definite symptoms of scurvy may have disappeared, and soon
-thereafter the infant is thriving and apparently cured. A table is here
-reproduced (Table 6) from the report of the American Pediatric Society
-showing the duration of treatment before marked improvement was noticed:
-
- TABLE 6
- DURATION OF TREATMENT BEFORE MARKED IMPROVEMENT WAS NOTICED
- ==========================================================
- | Days Cases | Weeks Cases | Months Cases |
- |------------------+------------------+------------------|
- | 1 19 | 1 47 | 1 6 |
- | 2 58 | 2 27 | 2 4 |
- | 3 46 | 3 8 | 3 4 |
- | 4 26 | 4 1 | |
- | 5 19 | 5 1 | |
- | 6 1 | 6 1 | |
- | 7 2 | | |
- | 8 2 | | |
- | 9 1 | | |
- | 10 7 | | |
- | 12 2 | | |
- | | | |
- ----------------------------------------------------------
-
-In most instances a gain of weight accompanies improvement. In not a few
-instances, however, there is a temporary loss or cessation of weight,
-due in part to an increased excretion of urine. Occasionally there is
-observed a short exacerbation of the symptoms following the giving of an
-antiscorbutic--a swelling of the thigh or hemorrhage of the gums. A
-similar phenomenon has been noted in relation to the treatment of
-polyneuritis in birds and of beriberi in man.
-
-In the cure of scurvy the same dietetic remedies are employed as in its
-prevention. Orange juice is the sovereign remedy, and should be given in
-a dosage of about 2 ounces a day.[56] Canned tomato is also most
-efficacious. If these changes in the dietary are carried out, it is not
-absolutely necessary to alter the food, although it is advisable to do
-so. Some writers, for example Neumann and Czerny, treat the disorder by
-giving milk which has been scalded or brought to the boiling-point.
-Others lay particular stress on changing the source of the milk supply,
-believing that the sameness of the diet leads to the occurrence of
-scurvy. Such, however, cannot be the case, as otherwise breast-fed
-babies would be highly subject to this disease. In the report of the
-American Pediatric Society one case developed on condensed milk and was
-cured by sterilized milk, and another developed on pasteurized milk and
-was cured by sterilized milk and broths. These results are explicable;
-large amounts of milk were given to effect the cure. It may be said in
-general that in addition to giving fruit or vegetable juices the milk
-should be either raw or heated to as low a degree as possible (duration
-of heating as well as height of temperature). Furthermore, the
-antiscorbutic treatment should be continued for a period of months, as
-the clinical improvement far outstrips the restoration of the bones and
-other tissues. It seems necessary again to call attention to the fact
-that too great reliance has been placed on the use of beef juice, which
-has been shown, both in experiment and in the clinic, to possess
-comparatively weak antiscorbutic properties.
-
-[56] It is difficult to state the exact dosage of orange juice which is
-necessary. One teaspoonful daily has failed to cure, and rapid cures
-have been accomplished by giving one tablespoonful. It is well, however,
-to give a larger amount if it is tolerated.
-
-Orange juice may be given intravenously. This method may be resorted to
-where the patient is in an advanced stage of the disease or where food
-cannot be tolerated by mouth; for example, in cases such as that
-mentioned by Cheadle, where death took place owing to the fact that the
-antiscorbutic could be taken only sparingly, on account of the extreme
-prostration of the patient. For this purpose the orange juice is
-obtained in as sterile a manner as possible, boiled for about five
-minutes and is rendered neutral or slightly alkaline just previous to
-its injection by the addition of normal sodium hydroxide. Hess and Unger
-report three cases where this procedure was carried out without the
-slightest untoward reaction. In one instance, improvement was noted 16
-hours after the injection. In view of the novelty of this treatment it
-may be of interest to cite a case:
-
- A baby 16 months old had hemorrhage of the gums and tenderness of
- the legs, which were held in the characteristic flexed and everted
- position. Eliminative treatment was tried without avail; Dover's
- powder and warmth to promote perspiration; caffeine to promote
- diuresis; and 2 tablespoonfuls of liquid petrolatum three times a
- day to increase elimination from the bowels. Intravenous injections
- of salt solution also proved of no value.
-
- Four intravenous injections of orange juice were given--6 c.c., 12
- c.c., 6 c.c., and 35 c.c. As was stated, improvement was noted 16
- hours after the first injection. The infant was less irritable, the
- gums no longer hemorrhagic, and the "capillary resistance test"
- (that is to say, the development of petechial spots on the forearm
- when a tourniquet was applied for 3 minutes to the upper arm)
- changed from positive to negative.
-
-Harden, Zilva and Still have recommended the use of a concentrated lemon
-juice for the cure of scurvy, constituting a form of "intensive"
-treatment. In four cases this proved to be of clinical value. Freise has
-made use of an alcoholic extract of turnips, and Freudenberg of a
-similar extract of carrots. These preparations did not seem to be
-markedly potent, and therefore possess no particular therapeutic
-advantages.
-
-=Non-dietetic Therapy.=--There is little to be done for the patient in
-addition to the giving of sufficient antiscorbutic. No one has reported
-success with any drug. We have tried the use of atropin, adrenalin,
-thyroid and parathyroid extracts, cod liver oil, autolyzed yeast,
-lactose, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, etc., without noting any
-improvement. Mercurials are stated to be positively harmful, especially
-when ulcers are present. The patient should be kept in bed, and exertion
-not allowed on account of the involvement of the heart, which has led to
-sudden collapse and death. The gums may be treated with nitrate of
-silver stick or tincture of myrrh. If there is fracture of the long
-bones with displacement, splints should be applied. Under no
-circumstances should hemorrhagic effusions in or about the joints be
-incised. The patient should be placed in a room which is well aired and
-lighted, and should be handled and dressed as infrequently as possible,
-so as to avoid discomfort and pain. It is particularly important that
-intercurrent infections should be avoided by shielding patients from
-contact with those who have infectious diseases, especially respiratory
-infections.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X
-
-METABOLISM
-
-
-Studies of the chemical exchanges in scurvy have been surprisingly few.
-It is a field that should repay investigation, promising to afford a
-clearer insight into the intermediary metabolism in this disorder. One
-of the first to touch upon this question was Garrod, who in 1848
-reported that there was a diminution of potassium salts in the urine and
-in the blood of scurvy patients. In 1877 Ralfe confirmed the potassium
-deficiency in the urine, but denied its importance from an etiologic
-standpoint, as he was unable to benefit scurvy patients by administering
-potassium nitrate. He reported an increase of uric acid in the urine, a
-diminution of the total acidity, and a reduction of the alkaline
-phosphates. Litten found the analyses of the urine very contradictory in
-respect to potassium, but stated that beyond a doubt its uric acid
-content is increased at the height of the disease, although this
-diminishes rapidly with convalescence. These few and scattered articles
-comprise the sum of metabolic studies up to the last decade, and even
-during the succeeding period they have been very few--so few, indeed,
-that they furnish insufficient data from which to draw conclusions.
-
-The first careful study of the mineral metabolism in a case of scurvy is
-that of Baumann and Howard, published in 1912. Its conclusions are not
-very definite. They may be summed up by their statement that "chlorin
-and sodium were retained during the fruit-juice period, but excreted in
-excess of the intake during the preliminary period," and that "more
-potassium, calcium and magnesium were retained during the fruit-juice
-period."
-
-This same year Lust and Klocman published the first metabolism study of
-a case of infantile scurvy. The baby was 18 months old and the metabolic
-changes were investigated during the active, convalescent, and "the
-healing stage" of the disorder. This study seems to have been carefully
-carried out. The fact, however, that the infant received 800 c.c. daily
-of slightly-boiled milk during the active stage, and was improving at
-this time, may also have had a beneficial effect on the metabolism in
-respect to scurvy. The results of these writers are surprising--quite
-different from what they expected or what we should have expected. They
-write: "The balance of the mineral metabolism, including the total ash,
-the calcium, phosphorus and chlorin during the florid stage of the
-disease must be regarded not only as not damaged, compared to that of
-the healthy child, but indeed as somewhat increased." "All the more
-striking, on the contrary, are the results found during the stage of
-convalescence. Here the balances were all markedly negative, and only
-after a lapse of weeks was the tendency manifested to a return to normal
-conditions." The authors regard these results as indicating a sort of
-washing out of "dead material" during convalescence--of material which
-had gathered during the florid stage of the disease. According to their
-interpretation the disease is due, not to a primary or secondary salt
-deficiency, but to a disturbance in salt elimination, and in the first
-place, of a calcium excretion. This is shown by the fact that even in
-the "stage of healing," when the total ash and the phosphorus balance
-once more had become positive, the calcium balance nevertheless remained
-somewhat negative. The metabolism of infantile scurvy, they believe, far
-from showing a resemblance to rickets, manifests quite the contrary
-tendency. The study of this case of infantile scurvy and that of Baumann
-and Howard of a case of adult scurvy, comprise the total investigation
-of the metabolism in human scurvy.
-
-In the course of a recent discussion on rickets before the Medical
-Society of Vienna, Moll states briefly that in a case of infantile
-scurvy, at the height of the disease, he found a positive calcium
-balance, which became poor and later negative on giving fruit juice; in
-other words, a partial confirmation of the work which has just been
-cited.
-
-In 1913 Bahrdt and Edelstein reported the analyses of the organs of an
-infant almost nine months old who died of scurvy; an examination of the
-tissues, especially of the bones, should be most valuable in checking up
-determinations of the metabolism during life. This investigation runs
-absolutely contrary to that of Lust and Klocman. The bones showed a
-decrease of ash, especially of calcium and of phosphorus, and also a
-lack of calcium in the muscles, but normal amounts in the liver and in
-the kidneys. These conditions resemble the deficiency of ash and of lime
-commonly associated with rickets, and it seems quite possible that this
-infant had rickets as well as scurvy, and that in this way the
-discrepancy between the two reports is to be explained. The fact that
-the water content of the bones was two to three times the normal, also
-lends emphasis to this interpretation. _In any metabolism study of
-infantile scurvy, great care will have to be exercised that the disorder
-is not complicated by rickets_, and the issue thereby confused. It will
-be very difficult to avoid this pitfall, for there is no test by which
-early rickets can be diagnosed. The danger of this complication may be
-realized when we bear in mind that the majority of infants have rickets
-to some degree. An investigation of the chemistry of adult scurvy has an
-advantage from this point of view.
-
-Chemical examination of the blood has yielded such valuable information
-regarding metabolic diseases, that it might be expected to shed light on
-the disturbances of scurvy. The only investigation from this standpoint
-is that of Hess and Killian, who have reported estimations of the urea,
-creatinine, sugar, CO_{2} combining power, diastase, cholesterol,
-chlorine and calcium.[57] The urea content was normal, varying between
-12 and 14 mg. per 100 c.c. of blood; this is the average of twenty-one
-tests on ten cases of infantile scurvy. (In severe cases of beriberi
-Yano and Nemoti have recently reported that the blood contains an
-increase of urea, and that its excretion is frequently disturbed.) The
-creatinine was estimated in two cases and was found to be 2.0 mg. and
-1.7 mg. per cent., respectively,--also normal figures. The blood sugar
-varied from 0.12 to 0.14 per cent. and was examined in almost all the
-cases in which urea was estimated; these figures are at the upper level
-of normality (no attention was paid to the interval elapsing between the
-feeding and the withdrawal of the blood). The diastatic activity was
-likewise normal. The CO_{2} combining power showed figures under 40 to
-45, according to the Van Slyke method, and indicated therefore a mild
-degree of acidosis. In six cases the chlorides were estimated, the
-figures being remarkably constant at about 0.42 or 0.43. Cholesterol was
-a little below normal in the four cases examined. Contradictory results
-were obtained in regard to calcium. Earlier tests showed a definite
-deficiency of this salt, but those carried out more recently have
-generally yielded normal results. Further studies of the blood calcium
-are highly desirable to ascertain whether it varies in amount in the
-circulation, and especially in different stages of the disease. This
-aspect is worthy of particular attention in view of the positive calcium
-balance noted by Lust and Klocman during the active stage of scurvy, and
-the negative balance during the period of convalescence.
-
-[57] Almost all of these cases were receiving liberal daily amounts of
-cod liver oil, which should exclude the possibility of complicating
-rickets.
-
-It is evident from the limited data concerning the blood chemistry of
-scurvy that it is a field which has been inadequately explored and will
-repay more intensive study. Investigations of this kind have recently
-been made possible by the introduction of accurate methods requiring
-only small quantities of blood.
-
-Studies of the metabolism of animals suffering from scurvy are almost as
-few as those on man. The work of Morgan and Beger, which is frequently
-quoted in this connection, is not applicable, as it concerns rabbits,
-which do not develop scurvy. They found that rabbits fed solely on oats
-and water suffered in their nutrition (loss of appetite, emaciation,
-paralysis of hind legs), and could be cured by the addition of sodium
-bicarbonate to the dietary. In 1916 Lewis and Karr published a paper on
-the constituents of the blood and the tissues of guinea-pigs fed on an
-exclusive oat diet. They found the urea content several times greater
-than normal, but that it fell to normal once more if cabbage or orange
-juice was given. From the standpoint of scurvy, this investigation is
-open to the criticism that the diet was too incomplete, and also, as the
-authors suggest, that the animals suffered from partial starvation and a
-lack of water.
-
-In the following year Karr and Lewis published a paper on a different
-phase of this subject, and came to the following conclusions: "No
-changes in urinary elimination of phenols, nor in the degree of
-conjugation of the phenols, were observed, provided the factor of
-partial starvation was ruled out. This is believed to indicate that no
-increased bacterial action occurs in the intestine of scorbutic
-guinea-pigs despite the difficulty of evacuation of the fæces." These
-results are in harmony with the bacteriological study of Torrey and
-Hess, who found that there was no increase in the proteolytic flora of
-the intestine in infants or in guinea-pigs suffering from scurvy.
-
-In 1917 Baumann and Howard published the only metabolism study which has
-been carried out on guinea-pigs suffering from scurvy, and they are of
-the opinion that this disorder has a profound effect on the mineral
-metabolism of this animal. The calcium was excreted in notably large
-amount; potassium was also lost, and to a greater extent than sodium;
-the only element which was consistently retained during the active stage
-as well as during the period of recovery, was magnesium. This study was
-followed shortly by one from the same laboratory, by Howard and
-Ingvaldsen, carried out on a monkey suffering from scurvy. It was
-inconclusive, not conforming to the experiments on the guinea-pigs; the
-authors state that the "changes in the mineral excretion of the monkey
-during the scorbutic period were not sufficiently significant to admit
-of easy interpretation." "The marked loss of the various mineral
-substances encountered in experiments with man and guinea-pig was not
-observed in the present series." It should be remembered, however, that
-the diets of the guinea-pigs and the monkeys were quite different, the
-former consisting mainly of oats, and the latter of condensed milk. It
-is quite possible that the basic diet may play a rôle in the metabolism
-of this disease, although, as stated elsewhere, its effect cannot be
-noted clinically. Special attention should be paid to this factor in
-metabolic studies, in view of the widely-held opinion that the
-carbohydrates exert a potent influence in the development of beriberi.
-
-The investigations of the nitrogen metabolism in man and in animals have
-been most unsatisfactory. The two on human beings--an infant and an
-adult--were negative; that on guinea-pig scurvy cannot be utilized on
-account of the restricted diet of oats, which contained insufficient
-nitrogen, whereas the one on the monkey showed some loss of nitrogen,
-which led the authors to suggest an increased nitrogenous catabolism in
-scurvy. This comprises the total data on this subject.
-
-Summarizing the results of these few metabolic studies, it may be stated
-that they harmonize on one point only--the positive balance of calcium
-during the active stage of the disease. The investigation of Baumann
-and Howard on adult scurvy, of Lust and Klocman and of Moll on infantile
-scurvy, and of Howard and Ingvaldsen on the monkey, are all in agreement
-in this important conclusion.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI
-
-RELATION OF SCURVY TO OTHER DISEASES
-
-
-In the foregoing there has been frequent reference to the close
-relationship between scurvy and the incidence of the infectious
-diseases--to the fact that a scorbutic condition increases the
-susceptibility to infection. This is indeed one of the most
-characteristic, as well as one of the most important phenomena
-associated with scurvy and other disorders resulting from vitamine
-deficiency. Mention has been made of the special susceptibility to the
-diphtheria bacillus, and to the organisms leading to coryza and the
-respiratory diseases, but no doubt this applies also to invasion by
-other bacteria. We wish, however, to confine ourselves to the
-nutritional disorders, first in their relationship one to the other, and
-second, as a group of deficiency diseases, due to a lack of vitamines of
-various kinds. As is well known, in addition to scurvy, this group
-generally includes beriberi, a disease attributed to a lack of the
-water-soluble vitamine, and xerophthalmia, an eye condition which
-recently has been brought about in rats by placing them on a diet free
-from fat-soluble vitamine. These, however, form only the nucleus of the
-disorders which commonly are included in this category. Schaumann, the
-first to formulate this classification, illustrated his conception of
-the interrelationship by depicting the various members as spokes of a
-wheel surrounding a central hub. He included scurvy, rickets,
-osteomalacia, typical beriberi, ship-beriberi, pellagra and
-mehlnaerschaden. Funk made a similar classification of disorders which
-he termed the "avitaminosen." There is a tendency to enlarge rather than
-to decrease the membership of this class, and recently war or hunger
-edema, infantile atrophy and diarrhoea, sprue, coeliac disease,
-leprosy and others have been proposed as suitable candidates. At the
-present time it is impossible to determine which and how many of this
-motley company should be associated with scurvy. Some, possibly, are the
-result of a lack of vitamine, but for the present it will be well to
-bear in mind that three vitamines only have stood the test of
-experiment, and only these three therefore can be definitely connected
-in a causal relationship with pathologic conditions. In addition to this
-consideration of the interrelationship of the "deficiency diseases," the
-kinship of allied disorders--more particularly of rickets--must be
-discussed.
-
-Although at first thought _beriberi_ and scurvy would seem far apart
-from a clinical point of view, they have some important features in
-common. In both there is a tendency to a rapidity of the heart's action
-and a marked lability of the pulse, to an enlargement of the cardiac
-ventricles, to an involvement of the vagus, and to an exaggeration of
-the deep reflexes. It is unnecessary to describe these signs and
-symptoms in detail, as they have been fully considered under
-symptomatology. It has been recorded from time to time that under
-certain circumstances scurvy has developed in man where one should have
-expected beriberi, and _vice versa_. Darling, who has had a large
-experience in this field, writes: "A deficient dietary in a tropical
-African negro mine laborer causes severe scurvy, in a Cape Colony
-African mine laborer, mild scurvy, and in some African negroes a diet
-that causes scurvy in one set of men causes neuritis in others."
-Possibly some minor differences in the dietary can explain this
-difference in reaction--for we do not know all the sources of the
-water-soluble vitamine, but such an experience deserves to be cited as
-it is not an isolated instance. It is all the more worthy of attention
-because it harmonizes to a certain extent with the everyday experience
-of animal investigation. As has been stated elsewhere, a diet of
-decorticated grain will lead to scurvy in the guinea-pig, to
-polyneuritis in the pigeon, and to a combination of these diseases in
-the hog! Results of this kind show that there must be a relationship
-between the etiologic factors of scurvy and of beriberi. It is unwise at
-present to attempt to define the relationship more precisely. The
-remarkable observation, first made by Fuerst, and since confirmed by
-numerous investigators, that seeds and legumes are devoid of
-antiscorbutic potency but acquire this power on sprouting, constitutes
-another link in the evidence of their kinship. Funk has suggested that
-the antiscorbutic vitamine can be formed from the "antineuritic"
-vitamine, a theory which is very attractive but needs confirmation and
-experimental proof. It is quite evident that this change does not
-usually occur in animals, in view of the specificity of the vitamines
-for their respective diseases--of the antiscorbutic for scurvy and the
-water-soluble for beriberi.
-
-It will be noted that "_ship-beriberi_" is included in this group of
-diseases. Very little is known about this condition, except what is
-contained in the investigation of Nocht (1903) and that of Holst and
-Froelich. It is a very rare condition but of interest because it is
-characterized by spongy, hemorrhagic gums and other signs encountered in
-scurvy. The feature which differentiates it sharply from scurvy,
-however, is an anæsthesia of the extremities. Ship-beriberi is generally
-regarded as a combination of beriberi and scurvy. Where these two
-disorders occur concomitantly, the beriberi manifests itself some months
-before the scurvy, as the latter takes much longer to develop.
-
-In considering the vitamines in connection with diseases of the nervous
-system, mention may be made of "central neuritis" and the "peripheral
-neuritis" which has been reported from the West Indies. This bears only
-a partial resemblance to beriberi, as there is no edema, nor dyspnoea,
-and its course is more chronic. Judging from the report of Edwards from
-Jamaica, the cases more closely resemble pellagra, terminating after
-many years. A degeneration of the cells of the spinal cord was found and
-"in some isolated patches of the cerebellum and in the roots of the
-optic and auditory nerves." The disease occurs among the poor classes
-whose diet is inadequate chiefly in nitrogen.
-
-Eijkman was the first to draw an analogy between beriberi and
-_pellagra_, and thus to suggest that the latter might be a disease due
-to an unidentified factor; he compared the pernicious effect of a diet
-of polished rice with that of decorticated corn. Of recent years,
-largely as the result of the investigations of Goldberger and his
-co-workers, pellagra has come to be regarded as a dietetic disorder
-primarily due to a lack of adequate protein, rather than to a lack of a
-specific vitamine. Its relationship to scurvy cannot, therefore, at the
-present time, be discussed from an etiologic viewpoint. Apart, however,
-from the question of etiology, the two diseases have certain clinical
-symptoms in common. Weston states that "distinguished physicians, who
-were really astute observers, have mistaken pellagra for scurvy, eczema,
-various kinds of intestinal troubles, syphilis, and many other
-diseases." In the chapter on symptomatology, attention has been directed
-to the fact that an eczema which yields to antiscorbutic treatment may
-occur in scurvy; at times it presents the symmetrical arrangement so
-typical of pellagra. In other cases a fleeting erythema may be observed,
-another sign noted frequently in pellagrins. In some instances
-congestion of the gums has been recorded. In describing a little girl of
-three who had pellagra, Weston writes: "The gums are also red and
-swollen, suggesting scurvy." This child had eaten large amounts of
-turnips, so that there could have been no question of complicating
-scurvy. Lombroso and some of the earlier authors drew attention to the
-fact that fragility of the bones, of the ribs and of the long bones, was
-often associated with pellagra. These various clinical similarities
-should not be construed as evidence in favor of the "avitamine" nature
-of pellagra. They indicate, rather, that in nutritional disorders,
-whatever may be their underlying cause, the vessels, the bones,
-and other tissues may suffer and lead to similar--but not
-identical--clinical pictures.[58]
-
-[58] There is no adequate reason for placing in this group "coeliac
-disease," a nutritional disorder of children recently described by
-Still, and suggested by McCarrison as belonging to the category of the
-vitamine deficiency diseases. A case of this kind has come to our
-attention which resembled pellagra in many respects. It showed the
-bright red, denuded tongue, the intestinal symptoms, the occasional
-edema, marked loss in weight, and evanescent erythema--all symptoms of
-markedly disturbed nutrition but not distinctive of a lack of vitamines.
-
-The relation between scurvy and rickets is a subject which was discussed
-by Glisson. With the renewed interest in infantile scurvy which followed
-Barlow's work toward the end of the last century, children's specialists
-ranged themselves into opposing camps on the question of the
-interrelationship and interdependency of these two diseases. Some
-accepted Barlow's dictum that infantile scurvy is an absolutely distinct
-and separate entity; others, for example, Hirschsprung, declared that
-the so-called scurvy was merely a form of rickets; whereas a third group
-considered it a combination of rickets and scurvy. This last viewpoint
-was actively maintained by Cheadle on the clinical side, and later by
-Schoedel and Nauwerk on the pathologic side--the latter declaring that
-rickets is "an inseparable component of infantile scurvy," and that the
-entire disease should be regarded merely as "an episode in the course of
-rickets." Even Barlow, in a paper published in 1894, wrote: "Rhachitic
-changes already present may act as a physiological determinant of the
-sites in which scurvy becomes manifest" and "rickets as a basis plus
-inadequate food gives the simplest explanation of the typical case" (of
-scurvy).
-
-We had an exceptional opportunity to test this thesis in 1914, in an
-institution where scurvy broke out among infants who were on a diet of
-pasteurized milk. All these infants were receiving cod liver oil daily,
-as prophylactic treatment against rickets. Many infants have been seen
-since that time, who in spite of receiving cod liver oil developed
-scurvy, and others in whom large doses of this oil failed to mitigate
-the scurvy, although it prevented rickets. The same failure has been
-encountered in the treatment of scurvy in guinea-pigs. This experience
-has been without exception, both from a prophylactic and a curative
-standpoint.
-
-Confusion between the two diseases has resulted from the fact that the
-majority of infants in the Temperate Zone have some degree of rickets.
-Thus the two diseases have been found very frequently associated in
-pathologic examination of the bones, leading some to infer that they are
-in some way interdependent. They have been also confused clinically, as
-mentioned in another connection, owing to the fact that beading of the
-ribs--the rhachitic rosary--has been mistakenly regarded as a
-pathognomonic sign of rickets, whereas it is also a sign common to
-scurvy. It is important to bear in mind that from the pathologic
-viewpoint scurvy and rickets present strikingly dissimilar pictures--the
-former is characterized by an almost complete cessation of activity of
-bone-forming elements, whereas the latter is distinguished by a
-hyperplastic condition leading to a marked overgrowth of cartilage and
-of abnormal bone. Viewed from the pathologic, etiologic and clinical
-standpoint, we believe that there is no basis for assuming an
-interrelationship between the two disorders, and that scurvy will
-develop as readily and as rapidly where rickets is absent as where it is
-present.[59]
-
-[59] The only evidence in favor of a true interrelationship is furnished
-by a necropsy report of Hart and Lessing on one of five monkeys fed on a
-scorbutic diet. This animal died of disseminated tuberculosis, and the
-bones showed "the classic picture of severe rickets." This occurrence
-cannot be explained, although illness and lack of exercise no doubt
-played a rôle. Until similar cases are reported, the incident must be
-regarded merely as interesting and suggestive.
-
-It is premature to discuss the relationship of these two disorders from
-the vitamine standpoint. In 1910 Schaumann suggested that rickets was
-due to a lack of a specific food factor, and somewhat later Funk
-included it among the "avitaminosen." Recently Mellanby, as the result
-of experiments on dogs, has affirmed that the fault lies in a lack of
-the fat-soluble or a closely-related vitamine. Investigations of the
-near future will probably decide the merits of this contention; our
-experience is that rickets develops in infants even where the diet
-contains adequate fat-soluble vitamine. If rickets is proved to be a
-disorder depending on a vitamine, it belongs, naturally, in the same
-group as scurvy. This would indicate relationship, but not
-interrelationship. Just as the mere fact that a lack of vitamines leads
-to scurvy and to beriberi does not signify, in theory or in practice,
-the existence of pathogenetic interrelationship. However, as stated,
-this is a subject which does not as yet rest on a secure foundation.
-
-_Osteogenesis imperfecta and osteomalacia_ are disorders of dietetic or
-metabolic origin characterized by fragility of the bones. The latter
-has developed new significance and importance due to its increased
-occurrence in almost epidemic form in the Central Empires at the close
-of the World War. The etiology of both disorders is most obscure. In the
-future in considering their pathogenesis it will be well to draw a sharp
-distinction between them. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disease in which
-an injury occurs to the foetus without any manifest illness in the
-mother, which seems to indicate a primary lesion of the foetus
-(perhaps metabolic); osteomalacia, on the other hand, attacks the mother
-who gives birth to an apparently healthy foetus. The latter gains
-added interest because it is a disease of the bones which is attributed
-to dysfunction of the endocrine glands, to a disturbance especially of
-the parathyroid. If this observation is confirmed, it furnishes another
-anatomical basis for associating the glands of internal secretion with
-pathologic conditions of the bones.
-
-One cannot survey the various diseases of the bones--scurvy, rickets,
-osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteomalacia, etc.,--without
-realizing that this group is at present in a state of great confusion
-and will have to be rearranged and winnowed. The differentiation
-between some of these diseases is not in every instance clear
-morphologically--for instance, early cases of scurvy and
-osteoporosis--so that it is difficult to consider them satisfactorily
-from the standpoint of pathogenesis. Clinical differentiation is still
-more difficult and uncertain. It seems probable that new entities will
-be established, as has happened in the past. It is not so long since
-rickets included almost all the bone diseases of infants. Gradually
-congenital syphilis, scurvy, and achondroplasia were segregated as
-distinct diseases. Probably a similar separation of other pathologic
-conditions, now so entangled as to be indistinguishable, will be
-evolved.
-
-Among the diseases which have been attributed to a vitamine deficiency
-are "war or hunger edema," sprue, the "mehlnaerschaden" of infants, and
-the "exudative diathesis" described by Czerny and Keller. Future
-investigation will disclose whether any of these disorders belong in the
-group with scurvy. The _hunger edema_, noted in the late war and in
-previous wars, seems to be a complex condition, quite dissociated from
-scurvy, as many of the sufferers consumed comparatively large quantities
-of potatoes or other vegetables. The "_mehlnaerschaden_" resembles
-scurvy and the other vitamine disorders in its tendency to produce
-hydremia and susceptibility to infection. It also develops in spite of a
-liberal supply of antiscorbutic foodstuff in the dietary. As its name
-implies, it comes about on a diet containing large quantities of
-carbohydrate, of the cereal paps so commonly fed to infants. It is
-conceivable that an unbalanced diet of this kind may not provide a
-sufficiency of all the vitamines.
-
-It does not seem probable that _exudative diathesis_, a term which
-implies a predisposition to develop exudations or denudations of the
-skin and mucous membranes, is the result of a lack of vitamine. This
-condition does, however, predispose to scurvy. The association was very
-evident in the group of cases reported by Hess and Fish in 1914. It is
-not without significance that the blood-vessels in exudative diathesis
-also show a decided weakness, an increased permeability, as judged by
-the "capillary resistance test." In both scurvy and in exudative
-diathesis eczema and petechial hemorrhages are encountered.
-
-There may be _nutritional diseases due to an excess of food_ rather than
-to a deficiency. A superfluity may be harmful by hindering the proper
-utilization of the food, or may possibly lead to the formation of
-deleterious products. Disturbances of this kind do occur. For example,
-it is by no means uncommon for an infant which has been overfed with
-milk to show the typical signs of rickets. Young guinea-pigs which are
-fed liberal amounts of cow's milk develop a disease characterized by
-fragility of the bones. The experience of Lubarsch, who produced
-osteogenesis imperfecta in rabbits by means of a diet consisting mainly
-of liver, or adrenal gland, is of interest, especially as this condition
-did not come about when they were fed muscle tissue.
-
-From what has been stated, it must be evident that this subject not only
-is in a state of flux but that it is in a state of great confusion. This
-applies not only to the relationship of vitamines to these disorders,
-but to their identification and demarcation pathologically as well as
-clinically. During the past few years we have begun to regard these
-diseases from a new viewpoint, which no doubt will be helpful, but it is
-probable that they will not be sharply defined and their relationships
-determined until it is possible to bring about each disease definitely
-and regularly in an experimental animal. Until this time we should
-proceed slowly, and not bring about "confusion worse confounded" by
-yielding to the vogue, and grouping together heterogeneous and
-little-understood clinical conditions under the caption of deficiency
-diseases. There is a growing danger of attributing every unexplained
-nutritional disorder to the new, overworked, but ill-defined
-vitamines--of their sharing with the secretions of the endocrine glands
-the fate of becoming the dumping-ground for every unidentified disorder.
-
-
-
-
-APPENDIX
-
-
-Extract from "Treatise on Scurvy," by James Lind, London, 1772.
-
-(a) _Recipe for preparing a stable orange or lemon juice._ Let the
-squeezed juice of these fruits be well cleared from the pulp and
-purified by standing for some time; then poured off from the gross
-sediment; or, to have it still purer, it may be filtrated. Let it then
-be put into any clean open vessel of china or stone-ware, which should
-be wider at the top than bottom, so that there may be the largest
-surface above to favor the evaporation. For this purpose a china basin
-or punch-bowl is proper, and generally made in the form required; all
-earthen glazed vessels are unfit, as their glazing will be dissolved by
-the acid. Into this pour the purified juice, and put it into a pan of
-water, upon a clear fire. Let the water come almost to a boil, and
-continue nearly in that state (with the basin containing the juice in
-the middle of it) until the juice is found to be of the consistence of a
-thick syrup when cold. The slower the evaporation of the juice the
-better; and it will require at least twelve or fourteen hours
-continuance in the bath heat before it is reduced to a proper
-consistence.
-
-It is then, when cold, to be corked up in a bottle for use. Two dozen
-good oranges, weighing five pounds four ounces, will yield one pound
-nine ounces and a half of pure juice; and when evaporated, there will
-remain about five ounces of rob, or extract; which in bulk will be equal
-to less than three ounces of water. So that thus the acid, and the
-virtues of twelve dozen lemons or oranges, may be put into a quart
-bottle, and preserved for several years.
-
-I have now some extract of lemons which was made four years ago.
-
-Those who intend this extract for making punch may infuse some of the
-fresh peel of the oranges or lemons into the spirit before it is used.
-
-But for this purpose I find it is sufficient to add a very small
-quantity of the outer peel to the extract a little before it is taken
-off the fire, and there will be all that is requisite to make it
-entirely equal to the freshest fruit.
-
-(b) _How to preserve berries and other fruits for long periods._ And it
-may be proper to acquaint them that most berries, and several fruits,
-when gathered two-thirds ripe on a dry day, while the sun shines, if put
-into earthen pots, or rather in dry bottles, well corked, and sealed up,
-so that no air or moisture can enter, will keep a long time, and at the
-end of a year, be as fresh as when new pulled.
-
-(c) _Method of preparing an antiscorbutic decoction from fir-tops,
-leaves, bark, etc._ When the Swedes carried on a war against the
-Muscovites, almost all the soldiers of their army were destroyed by the
-scurvy, having putrid gums, rigid tendons, etc. But a stop was put to
-the progress of this disease by the advice of Erbenius, the King's
-physician, with a simple decoction of fir-tops, by which the most
-deplorable cases were perfectly recovered, and the rest of the soldiers
-prevented from falling into it.
-
-I am inclined to believe by the description given by Cartier of the
-ameda tree, with a decoction of the bark and leaves of which his men
-were so speedily recovered, that it was the large swampy American spruce
-tree.
-
-A simple decoction of the tops, cones, leaves or even green bark and
-wood of these trees is an excellent antiscorbutic medicine; but it will,
-I am apt to think, become much more so when fermented, as in making
-spruce beer. By carrying a few bags of spruce or its extract to sea,
-this wholesome drink may be prepared at any time. But where it cannot be
-had the common fir-tops used for fuel in the ship should be first boiled
-in water, and the decoction afterwards fermented with molasses in the
-common method of making spruce beer; to which a small quantity of
-wormwood and horse-radish root (which it is easy to preserve fresh at
-sea) may be added. The juice of the cocoanut tree was experienced to be
-of very great benefit to several persons afflicted with the scurvy.
-
-
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-
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-
-KERLEY, C. G.: Practice of Pediatrics, Phila., 1918, Saunders & Co.
-
-KITAMURA, S.: Ein Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Netzhautveraenderungen beim
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-
-KOCH, J.: Untersuch. uber die Lokalisation d. Bakterien, etc., Zeitschr.
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-
-KOHLBRUGGE, J. H.: Die Gaerungskrankheiten, Centralbl. f. Bakt. etc.,
-Orig. 1911, LX, 223.
-
-KORBSCH, R.: Ueber Skorbut im Felde, Deutsch. med. Woch., 1919, XLV,
-185.
-
-KRAMER: Medicina Castrensis, 1721, Cited by Charpentier (see above).
-
-LABOR, M.: Eine Beobachtung ueber das Blutbild des Skorbuts, Wien. klin.
-Woch., 1916, XXIX, 912.
-
-LAMER, V. K., and CAMPBELL, H. L.: Changes in Organ Weight Produced by
-Diet Deficient in Antiscorbutic Vitamine, Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. and
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-
-LASÈQUE, Ch., and Legroux, A.: L'Épidémie de Scorbut dans les Prisons de
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
-LYABMOW: Aerztl. Gesellschaft zu Kasan, 1900, Cited from M. Schubert,
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-
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-
-MCCARRISON, R.: (2) The Influence of the Scorbutic Diet on Adrenal
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-505.
-
-
-
-
-INDEX
-
-
- A
-
- Acid, effect on keeping qualities of antiscorbutics, 66, 161
-
- Acidosis, 244 theory, 24
-
- Adrenals, 102
- in guinea-pig scurvy, 122
-
- Adult, scurvy in, history of, 1
-
- Age incidence, 51
-
- Aging, effect on antiscorbutics of, 67
-
- Agglutinins, effect of scurvy on, 68
-
- Alimentary tract, gross pathology, 89
- microscopic pathology, 100
-
- Alkalization, effect on milk of, 50
- on orange juice of, 66, 154
-
- Amboceptor, effect of scurvy on, 68
-
- Anasarca, 86, 196
-
- Animals, scurvy in, 114
-
- Anorexia, 206
-
- Antiscorbutics, and antiscorbutic foods, 143, =149=, 157
- history of use of, 9, 143
-
- Antitoxin, effect of scurvy on, 68
-
- Appendicitis, confused diagnosis, 183
-
- Appetite, 206
-
- Apple, antiscorbutic value of, 158
-
- Armies, scurvy in, 3, 15
-
- Army, use of canned tomatoes in ration of U. S., 231
-
-
- B
-
- Bacteria, fecal, in scurvy, 28
- as etiological factor in scurvy, 134
- in tissues, 133
-
- Bacterial theory of scurvy, 30
-
- Banana, antiscorbutic value of, 158
-
- Beading of ribs, 197
- in guinea-pig, 129, 137
- pathology of, 94
-
- Beans, germinated, 167, 231
-
- Beef juice, 236
-
- Beer, antiscorbutic value of, 20, =169=
-
- Beriberi, differential diagnosis, 221
- relation to scurvy, =249=
-
- Berries, antiscorbutic value of, 156
-
- Blindness, 182
-
- Blood cells, changes in, 209-211
-
- Blood cells, chemistry of, 244, 245
- coagulability of, 211
-
- Blood vessels, changes in, 68, =98=, 209
- in guinea-pigs, 133
-
- Blood, vitamine content of, 76
-
- Bones, gross pathology, 93
- microscopic pathology, 105
-
- Brain, pathology, 93
-
- Breast fed, scurvy in, 35
-
-
- C
-
- Cabbage, antiscorbutic value of, 159
- dehydrated, 165
- effect of heat on, 159
-
- Calcium, deposits of, 98, 102, 103
- metabolism, 241-247
-
- "Capillary resistance test," =212=, 257
-
- Carbohydrates, 34, 59
-
- "Cardiorespiratory syndrome," 200
-
- Cardiovascular system, 199
-
- Carrots, antiscorbutic value of, 159, 160
-
- Central nervous system, gross pathology, 93
- microscopic pathology, =104=
-
- Cereals, antiscorbutic value of, 170
- germinated, 167
-
- Cerebrospinal fluid, 203
-
- Chlorides, 242-247
-
- Citric acid theory, 23
-
- Climate, 55
-
- Complement, effect of scurvy on, 69
-
- Complexion, characteristic change in, 176, 184
-
- Complications of scurvy, 182, 202, 205, 217
-
- Constipation, 27, =118-122=, 207
-
- Cord, spinal, pathology, 93, 104
-
- Creatinine, 244
-
- Cure, 236
-
-
- D
-
- Death, causes of, 179, 227
-
- Deficiency diseases, general discussion, 63, 248
-
- Diagnosis, 176, 219
-
- Diastase, blood content of, 244
-
- Diet, general, 59
-
- Digestive disturbances, 78
-
- Diphtheria, antitoxin in blood, 68
- as complication of scurvy, 217
-
- Drying, effect on vitamines of, 66
-
- Duodenum, pathology, 89
-
- Dysentery, 59, 182
-
-
- E
-
- Economic status, 55
-
- Eczema, 195
-
- Edema, 178, 184, =196=
- hunger, 256
- war, 256
-
- Eggs, antiscorbutic value of, 168
-
- Endocrine organs, gross pathology, 92
- microscopic pathology, 104
- extracts of, as preventive, 172
- theory of vitamine action, 72
-
- Epidemics, 2, 217
-
- Epiphyses, separation of, 96, 181, =198=
-
- Etiology, =35=
- exciting factors in, 60
-
- Excretion of vitamine, 77
-
- Expeditions, scurvy in Arctic, 10
-
- Experimental scurvy, 111
- pathogenesis, 116
- pathology, 122
- symptoms, 135
-
- Exudative diathesis, 59, 256
-
- Eyeball, proptosis, 193
-
-
- F
-
- Familial tendency, 58
-
- Fats, in diet, effect on scurvy, 59
-
- Fever, 181, =216=
-
- Foetus, effect of scorbutic diet on, 125
-
- Food, excess of, 257
-
- Foods, antiscorbutic, 143, =149=
- proprietary, 49
-
- Fractures, 95
-
- Frost-bite, 180
-
- Fruit juices, 153
-
- Fruits, fresh, 144
-
-
- G
-
- Generative organs, pathology, 104
-
- Glands, endocrine, 72
- changes in, 73, 92, 104
-
- Glucose, blood content of, 244
-
- Grapes, antiscorbutic value of, 158
-
- Growth in scurvy, 213
-
- Guinea-pig scurvy, 112, 114
-
- Guinea-pig pathogenesis, 116
- pathology, 122
- relation to human, 115
- symptoms, 135
-
- Gums, 177, 181, 184
- in infantile scurvy, =189=
- pathology of, 89, 100
-
-
- H
-
- Hair, changes in, 194
-
- Heart, =200=
- gross pathology, 87
- microscopic pathology, 99
-
- Heat, effect on vitamine of, 65
-
- Hemorrhages, 180, 189
- as early symptoms, 178
- distribution of, 84
- gastric, 208
- orbital, 193
- subperiosteal, 95, =191=
- urinary, 204
-
- History of scurvy, 1
-
- Hog, effect of scorbutic diet on, 115
-
- Hypophysis, 104
-
-
- I
-
- Infantile scurvy, history, 10
- in artificially fed, 40
- in breast-fed, 35
- increase during World War, 21-22
- relation to epidemic scurvy of adults, 15, 37
- relation to rickets, 11, =110=, =252=
- symptomatology, =183=
-
- Infection, as exciting factor, 60, 218
- increased liability to, 68
- effect on prognosis, 227
-
- Intestines, gross pathology, 90
- microscopic pathology, 100
-
- Intravenous use of orange juice, 238
-
- Irregularities in course of deficiency diseases, 78
-
-
- J
-
- Jaundice, 208
-
- Joints, lesions of, 199
-
-
- K
-
- Kidneys, gross pathology, 91
- microscopic pathology, 102
-
-
- L
-
- Latent scurvy, 179, 183, =187=
-
- Laxatives, failure to cure with, 28, =207=
-
- Lemon juice, antiscorbutic value of, 153, 234
- dried, 155, 232
- ration in British Navy, 9, 144
-
- Lentils, value as antiscorbutic, 167, 231
-
- Lice, theory of transmission of scurvy by, 30
-
- Lime juice, antiscorbutic value of, 156
- fallacy in regard to, 149
- use in British Navy, 144
-
- Liver, gross pathology, 91
- microscopic pathology, 101
-
- Lungs, gross pathology, 88
- microscopic pathology, 99
-
- Lymph-nodes, gross pathology, 92
- microscopic pathology, 101
-
-
- M
-
- Malnutrition, general, 58
-
- Malt soup, 50
-
- Marrow, changes in, 107
-
- Meat, fresh, 147, =168=
- salt, 146
-
- "Mehlnaerschaden" of Czerny, 256
-
- Metabolism in scurvy, 241-247
-
- Milk, alkalized, 50
- amount necessary to prevent scurvy, 49, 117, =150=
- boiled, 44, 65
- condensed, 48
- dried, 46, 66, =152=
- effect of industrial methods on, 43
- evaporated, 45
- pasteurized, 40, 65
- home vs. commercial, 42
- sterilized, 44
- breast, amount necessary to prevent scurvy, 36, 39, 153
- as cause of beriberi, 39
- cows, antiscorbutic value of, 40, 152
- goats, antiscorbutic value of, 153
-
- Mineral metabolism in scurvy, 241-247
-
- Monkey, scurvy in, 114, =127=
- pathology, 128
-
- Muscles, pathology, 97
-
-
- N
-
- Nails, changes in, 194
-
- Necropsy reports, 82
-
- Nephritis, 205
-
- Nerves, peripheral, in guinea-pig
- scurvy, 132
- pathology, 105
-
- Nervous system, effect of scurvy on, 202
-
- Nutrition, general, in scurvy, 58, 59, 213
-
- Nyctalopia, 182
-
-
- O
-
- Orange juice, antiscorbutic value of, =153=, 234
- "artificial," 33
- dried, 155
- effect of alkalization of, 154
- intravenous use of, 238
- subcutaneous use of, 155
- peel, antiscorbutic value of, 234
-
- Osteogenesis imperfecta, 255
-
- Osteomalacia, differentiation of, from scurvy, 255
-
- Osteomyelitis, differentiation of, from scurvy, 222
-
- Osteoporosis, differentiation of, from scurvy, 255
-
- Osteotabes infantum, 109
-
-
- P
-
- Pains, as early symptom, 176
-
- Pancreas, gross pathology, 91
- microscopic pathology, 104
-
- Pasteurized milk, 40
-
- Pathogenesis of scurvy, theories of, 23
-
- Pathology of scurvy in guinea-pig, 122
- in man, gross, 83
- microscopic, 96
- in monkey, 128
-
- Peas, antiscorbutic value of, 167, 231
-
- Pellagra, 251
-
- Phenols, excretion of, 245
-
- Phosphate metabolism, 241-247
-
- Pigeon, effect of scorbutic diet on, 114
-
- Pneumonia, 202
-
- Posture, characteristic, in guinea-pig, 136
-
- Posture, characteristic, infant, 183
-
- Potassium deficiency theory, 23
- metabolism, =241-247=
-
- Potatoes, antiscorbutic value of, 6, 7, 146, =161=, 235
-
- Prevention of scurvy, 230
-
- Prognosis, 225
-
- Protein in diet, effect on scurvy, 59
-
- Psychic element in scurvy, 57
-
- Pulse, 181, =201=
-
- Pulses, germinated, 167, 231
-
- Purpura, differential diagnosis, 221
-
- Pyorrhoea, relation to lesion of gums, 181
-
-
- R
-
- Racial immunity, 56
-
- Rats, effect of scorbutic diet on, 114, 115
-
- Recurrent scurvy, 228
-
- Respirations, 201
-
- Retina, hemorrhages in, 105
-
- Rheumatism, confusion with scurvy, 176, 220
-
- Ribs, beading of, 197
- pathology, 94
- in guinea-pig, 129, 137
-
- Rickets, relation of, to scurvy, =11=, =110=, =252=
-
- Rosary, 94, 197
-
-
- S
-
- Sauerkraut, antiscorbutic value of, 145
-
- Season, effect on incidence, 54
-
- Sex, effect on incidence, 56
-
- Shaking, effect on antiscorbutic factor, 68
-
- Ship beriberi, 250
-
- Skin, pathology, 96
-
- Spleen, gross pathology, 91
- microscopic pathology, 102
-
- Sprue, 256
-
- Starvation, pathology of, 125
-
- Stomach, gross pathology, 89
- microscopic pathology, 100
-
- Storage of vitamine in body, 74
-
- Streptococcus in blood in scurvy, 134
-
- Subacute form of scurvy, 184
-
- Subcutaneous use of antiscorbutics, 155
-
- Swede, antiscorbutic value of, =162=, 235
-
- Symptomatology, in adult, 176
- in infant, 183
-
- Syphilis, congenital, differential diagnosis, 222, 223
-
-
- T
-
- Teeth, in guinea-pig scurvy, 130, 137
- in human scurvy, 177
-
- Temperature, in guinea-pig scurvy, 141
- in human scurvy, 181, =216=
-
- Thymus, pathology of, 104
- use of gland in treatment, 172
-
- Thyroid, pathology of, 104
- use of gland in treatment, 172
-
- Tomatoes, canned, antiscorbutic value of, =166=, 231, 234
- in U. S. Army ration, 231
-
- Toxic theory of pathogenesis of scurvy, 25
-
- Treatment of scurvy, 230
- duration of, 237
- non-dietetic, 239
-
-
- U
-
- Ultra-violet rays, effect on antiscorbutics, 67
-
- Urea content of blood, 244
- of tissues, 245
-
- Urine in scurvy, =204-206=
-
-
- V
-
- Vegetable juices, keeping qualities of, 161
-
- Vegetables, antiscorbutic value of 144, =158=
- canned, 166
- dehydrated, 163
- effect of heat on, 159
- fresh, 144, =158=
- ripeness of, effect on antiscorbutic value, 160
-
- Vitamine, antiscorbutic, general discussion of, 62
- action of, 68, 69
- as antitoxin, 69
- as catalytic agent, 70
- as nutriment, 69
- blood content of, 76
- effect of heat on, 65
- of ultra-violet ray on, 67
- excretion of, 77
-
- Vitamine, experimental evidence for, 62
- fate in body, 74, 77
- relation to water-soluble factor, 65, 67
- relation to antineuritic vitamine, 67
- resistance to chemical and physical processes, 64
- storage in body of, =74=
- theory of scurvy, 32
-
-
- W
-
- Weight, loss of, 138, 213
-
- "White line" of Fraenkel, =128=, =198=
-
- World War, scurvy in, 15
-
-
- X
-
- X-ray in diagnosis of scurvy, 128, 192, 198
-
-
- Y
-
- Yeast, antiscorbutic value of, 171
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's Scurvy Past and Present, by Alfred Fabian Hess
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