Vitamin B3/nicotinic acid deficiency (pellagra) *New*
ICD-10 code: E52 Description General measures Medicine treatment Referral 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.
ICD-10 code: E52
Description
General measures
Medicine treatment
Referral
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.
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.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare Level, Updated for the 2023 Edition