Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients with Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 and Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10890865Keywords:
Vitamin B12, children, megaloblastic anemia, helicobacter pylori, anemia.Abstract
Background/Aims: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important vitamin that plays a role in vital events. This study examines and analyzes patients with vitamin B12 deficiency in a specific region in a wide range of age groups, including infants, and different etiological data like absorption disorders.
Methods: 275 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency aged 0-18 years who were followed and treated in the Hematology outpatient clinic at a 3rd level training and research hospital during 3 years, were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: 120 (43.6%) patients were female of a total of 275 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. The mean vitamin B12 level was 159.78±33.98 pg/ ml, the mean hemoglobin level was 11.47±2.27 g/dL, and the MCV was 81.51±10.37 fL. 100 patients were under one year of age. 22% of mothers of the infants had vitamin B12 deficiency, while 20.9% of mothers had levels of vitamin B12 that can be presumed border value. 32% of patients had iron deficiency. Another leading factor for vitamin B12 deficiency was Helicobacter Pylori(HP) infection and the frequency was 10.2%. The 87% of causes that evoked vitamin B12 deficiency were nutritional. The expected increment in vitamin B12 and complete blood count values were observed after treatment.
Conclusions: Vitamin B12 deficiency becomes widespread in the first two years of life and infants are at risk. Another important factor is HP. Eradication of this infection could treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
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