Infantile megaloblastosis secondary to maternal vitamin B12 deficiency

We reviewed six cases of infantile megaloblastosis secondary to maternal vitamin B12 deficiency, the most common cause of infantile megaloblastosis in our institution. Two patients had long‐term neurological sequelae, with a further patient remaining abnormal but at short follow‐up. In 50% of cases...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical and laboratory haematology 1997-04, Vol.19 (1), p.23-25
Main Authors: MONAGLE, P.T., TAURO, G.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anemia, Megaloblastic - blood
Anemia, Megaloblastic - drug therapy
Anemia, Megaloblastic - etiology
Anemias. Hemoglobinopathies
Biological and medical sciences
Diseases of red blood cells
failure to thrive
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases
Humans
Infant
Male
maternal B12 deficiency
Medical sciences
Megaloblastosis
Nutritional Physiological Phenomena - physiology
Vitamin B 12 - therapeutic use
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency - blood
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency - complications
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We reviewed six cases of infantile megaloblastosis secondary to maternal vitamin B12 deficiency, the most common cause of infantile megaloblastosis in our institution. Two patients had long‐term neurological sequelae, with a further patient remaining abnormal but at short follow‐up. In 50% of cases the mother was asymptomatic, with subtle or no peripheral blood abnormalities, having early pernicious anaemia. Any infant which fails to thrive, with progressive neurological deterioration and haematological cytopenias should have their vitamin B12 and folate status rapidly assessed. This is one of the few potentially reversible causes of failure to thrive and neurological deterioration. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent significant long‐term sequelae.
ISSN:0141-9854
1365-2257
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2257.1997.00205.x