Vitamin B₃ Nicotinic acid deficiency (Pellagra)

E52

DESCRIPTION

Pellagra is a condition associated with nicotinic acid deficiency. It is usually accompanied by other vitamin deficiencies.
Clinical features include:

  • diarrhoea
  • dementia
  • dermatitis with darkening of sun-exposed skin

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Lifestyle adjustment including discouraging of alcohol abuse.
  • Dietary advice. Increase intake of: liver, kidneys, other meats, poultry and fish, milk, marmite and Brewer’s yeast, peanuts, pulses, whole meal wheat and bran.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

For severe deficiency

Children

  • Nicotinamide, oral, 50 mg 8 hourly until resolution of major signs and symptoms.

Adults

  • Nicotinamide, oral, 100 mg 8 hourly until skin lesions heal

LoEIII [14]

For mild deficiency

Children

  • Nicotinamide, oral, 50 mg daily for one week.

Adults

  • Nicotinamide, oral, 100 mg daily for one week.

REFERRAL

Failure to respond.