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Overview :
Niacin (nicotinic acid) deficiency results in a clinical
syndrome termed pellagra ("rough skin").
Classic description of clinical findings - the 4 D's:
(1) diarrhea
(2) dermatitis
(3) dementia
(4) death
Mucosal changes in GI and GU tracts:
(1)
swelling and soreness of the tongue and mouth with erythema (stomatitis)
(2)
inflammation and erythema of mucosal surfaces (esophagitis, gastritis,
urethritis, proctitis, vaginitis)
(3)
diarrhea
Skin changes:
(1)
symmetric pigmented rash with scaling and hyperkeratosis, which is worse in
areas of sun exposure or trauma
(2)
"necklace" lesion of Casal
Neurological changes:
(1) anxiety and depression
(2) insomnia
(3) headaches
(4) tremulous movements or rigidity of limbs
(5) loss of tendon reflexes, numbness and paresthesias in
limbs
(6) dementia with disorientiation and hallucinations
(7) delerium
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