RECENT ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF PELLAGRA AND ASSOCIATED DEFICIENCIES

Abstract

Nicotinic acid or one of its closely related compounds, when administered in adequate amts., has a prompt and beneficial effect on certain symptoms of clinical and subclinical pellagra. The dosage averages 500 mg. daily administered orally in 50 mg. doses. Nicotinic acid will heal lesions of mucous membranes, clear mental symptoms, restore appetite and normal gastrointestinal function, decrease high porphyinuria, restore sense of well-being, cause fading of dermal erythema, and a rise in coenzymes in urine and blood. An early diagnosis of pellagra is made possible by recognizing a number of prodromal symptoms: indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation, weakness and lassitude without obvious reason. Most patients also have beri beri, and 10 mg. thiamin chlorid twice daily and 5 mg. riboflavin once daily are recommended. The diet of the pellagra patient is inadequate in calories, protein, Ca, Fe, vits. A, B, G, and to a lesser extent C.