A six-year-old boy with Down syndrome died from scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency disease rarely seen in modern times, in Australia, according to findings released by the Queensland deputy state coroner. Connor Dean passed away in Brisbane's Queensland Children's Hospital on August 10, 2024, following complications related to the condition, often referred to as 'sailor's disease.'
Scurvy, historically associated with long sea voyages where fresh produce was scarce, is now uncommon in developed nations due to widespread access to fruits and vegetables. While mild cases are typically treatable with dietary changes, severe, untreated scurvy can be fatal.
Connor, born in 2018, had Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and a congenital heart defect requiring surgery. His developmental progress was slow, and his communication was limited. Approximately one month before his death, his parents sought medical attention for his knee pain and altered gait, initially attributed to a playground fall.
As his condition worsened, he was admitted to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with para-influenza, but his health continued to deteriorate rapidly, leading to a cardiac arrest for which he had to be resuscitated. In late July 2024, medical professionals informed his parents that their son likely had life-threatening scurvy. He was removed from life support on August 7, 2024, and died three days later.
His death certificate cited hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, a heart condition stemming from cardiac arrest, likely induced by vitamin C deficiency leading to scurvy. Connor had been partially fed via a gastric tube until the age of two. His parents reported to the coroner that he had consumed a variety of foods, including fresh produce, until he became a particularly fussy eater around age four and a half. They stated they were unaware of a vitamin C deficiency until after his cardiac arrest.
Previous consultations with Connor's pediatrician had raised concerns about his weight and height. In one instance, his diet reportedly contained no fruit or vegetables, and he had gained only 300 grams over 11 months, far below the normal range. The pediatrician expressed significant concern about his diet lacking sufficient calories, vitamins, and minerals for healthy growth and referred Connor to a dietitian, recommending a multivitamin. Six months later, during a follow-up in November 2023, the pediatrician noted his diet remained poor, consisting mainly of white bread, sausage, custard, and chocolate. While he was offered vegetables at daycare, it was not believed he consumed them. He did drink apple and blackcurrant juice, which contains vitamin C, but the prescribed multivitamin contained only small amounts of the nutrient.
Queensland deputy state coroner Stephanie Gallagher concluded that no further inquest was necessary. She expressed hope that publicizing her findings would help prevent similar tragedies. "I am of the view that, publishing these findings may be sufficient mechanism to draw attention to this death so as to prevent deaths in similar circumstances happening in the future," Gallagher stated, extending condolences to the family.