Investigation of the incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency in leukopenia and neutropenia secondary to infection

Background: Infections and nutritional deficiencies are the most common causes of the leucopenia and neutropenia. In this study, we aimed to find the incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with leukopenia and neutropenia secondary to infection.Methods: Between September 2018 and December 2018, patients who were referred to Diyarbak?r Children Hospital's Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic for leukopenia and/ or neutropenia were thought to develop secondary to infection retrospectively evaluated.Results: Of the 60 patients that evaluated, 23(38.3%) were female and 37(61.7%) were male. The mean age'SD was 4.75'4.5 years. Severe neutropenia was detected in 5(8.3%), moderate neutropenia in 31(51.7%) and mild neutropenia in 17(28.3%) patients. Neutrophil counts were within normal limits in 7(11.7%) patients. When vitamin B12 levels were examined, 17(28.3%) patients had B12 deficiency.Conclusions: Investigation and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with leukopenia and neutropenia may shorten the duration of cytopenia and prevent the development of secondary complications.

Investigation of Von Willebrand disease in children with epistaxis and clinical practical approach

Background: The absence of a standardized approach to the disease and bleeding history can lead to unnecessary patient consultations and sometimes late diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate von Willebrand disease (VWD) in patients presenting with epistaxis with clinical practical approach.Methods: 63 Patients who were admitted to the pediatric hematology and oncology clinic between June 2017 and June 2018 with a complaint of epistaxis were evaluated. Patients diagnosed with VWD were classified as group 1, patients without VWD considered as group 2. The two groups were compared in terms of number of additional symptoms, and family history.Results: There was no difference in terms of age and gender when compared with 42 patients not considered as VWD (group 2), number of additional symptoms, and family history were significantly higher in the group considered as VWD.Conclusions: Excess number of additional bleeding symptoms, and bleeding history in family are of importance for the suspicion of diagnosis of VWD for physicians with limited experience in terms of bleeding disorders in primary and secondary health care institutions.