Reduced Ascorbic Acid Content of Blood Plasma in Rheumatic Fever.

Abstract

In acute rheumatic fever the reduced ascorbic acid level of the blood plasma is found to be almost uniformly lowered. Our data further indicates that at least some and perhaps a high percentage of “rheumatic” children, although the disease process is clinically quiescent, tend to lie in less low but distinctly sub-optimal ranges. It has not been determined that this is due to inadequate intake or to what extent it may have resulted from anorexia, digestive disorders or depletion by the disease itself. The data presented indicates that the plasma ascorbic acid levels usually parallel the vitamin C intake. However, some cases are quite refractory in their responses to oral administration of the vitamin even in large doses.