PELLAGRA
\pɛlˈaɡɹə], \pɛlˈaɡɹə], \p_ɛ_l_ˈa_ɡ_ɹ_ə]\
Sort: Oldest first
-
a disease caused by deficiency of niacin or tryptophan (or by a defect in the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to niacin); characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances and erythema and nervous or mental disorders; may be caused by malnutrition or alcoholism or other nutritional impairments
By Princeton University
-
An endemic disease, particularly noticed among the Milanese, which consists in the skin becoming covered with tubercles and rough scales, and in debility, vertigo, epilepsy, and great depression of spirits.
By Daniel Lyons
-
A disease, particularly noticed among the Milanese, which consists in the skin becoming covered with wrinkles, and assuming a scaly appearance, especially in the parts exposed to the air. The strength diminishes, the intellectual faculties and sensations become obscure, and cramps, convulsions, and other lesions of muscular contractility supervene. It is a singular endemic affection, and has been supposed to follow everywhere the introduction of Indian corn: hence the name Raphania maiztica, given to it by some of the Italian physicians. An affection endemic in the Asturias is said to be a variety of pellagra. It is the Rosa seu Lepra Asturica, Mai de la Rosa.
By Robley Dunglison
By Willam Alexander Newman Dorland
-
Syn.: dermatagra, lombardian leprosy, endemic erythema, malrisso. An endemic trophic disease formerly attributed to eating spoiled maize, but probably caused by the bite of an infected sand fly. It is characterized by gastro-intestinal, cerebrospinal, and cutaneous symptoms. The skin is affected with an erythematous eruption, especially of the exposed parts of the body, and sometimes with desquamation, erosion, or crusting. It comes on rapidly and the eruption is confined to parts which are exposed to the sun. Therefore it is apt to begin on the back of the hands. The digestive derangement may consist of either anorexia, dyspepsia, vomiting, or diarrhea. The nervous symptoms, which are usually grave, may assume the form of either melancholia, mania, convulsions, or idiocy. [Ital.]
By Smith Ely Jelliffe
Word of the day
savings and loan
- thrift institution that is required by law to make a certain percentage of its loans as home mortgages