American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which deficiency is characterized by Pellagra, which includes the 3 D's: Dermatitis, Diarrhea, and Dementia?

1. Pyridoxine deficiency

2. Cobalamin deficiency

3. Niacin deficiency

4. Folate deficiency

The correct answer is: Niacin deficiency

The correct response is related to niacin deficiency, which is the primary cause of Pellagra. Pellagra's hallmark symptoms are known as the "3 D's": dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Dermatitis typically manifests as a photosensitive rash that can develop in areas of the skin exposed to sunlight. Diarrhea is often severe and can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Dementia refers to cognitive changes, which can present as memory loss, confusion, and overall cognitive decline. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is crucial for various metabolic processes, especially in the synthesis of NAD and NADP, which are essential coenzymes in catabolic and anabolic reactions, respectively. A deficiency in niacin can arise from insufficient dietary intake, conditions like chronic alcoholism, or malabsorption syndromes. While the other deficiencies listed may lead to their own set of vitamin-related issues, they do not present with the specific combination of symptoms and conditions that define Pellagra. Each vitamin plays unique roles in the body, and their deficiencies result in distinct clinical presentations, which is vital for understanding patient symptoms and providing appropriate treatment.