A Brief Review on Vitamin B12 Deficiency Looking at Some Case Study Reports in Adults.

In the era of evidence-based medicine, the randomized clinical trial corresponds to the top step in the qualitative scale of the evidence available in the literature, while small series of cases or the description of individual cases occupy the last place. However, the latter represent an important part of clinical practice and have significantly influenced the evolution of medicine, contributing significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Vitamin B12 deficiency shares several common symptoms that affect several tissues and organs with health aliments, so its diagnosis could be unobvious for the broad array of its effects and investigation methods used. In this review, we focused our attention on some case reports related to the vitamin B12 deficiency associated to anemia, neurologic disorders, and hyperhomocysteinemia. B12 deficiency reversal is simply achieved by prompt therapy, even though it is not the same for several disorders.

Megaloblastic anaemia in a 9-weeks old infant: A case report.

Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency is uncommon in infancy and rarely reported in infants below 3 months of age. We hereby report a case of megaloblastic anaemia in a 9-weeks old infant having fever from 7th week of life. Blood picture showed pancytopenia and diagnosis was confirmed on bone marrow biopsy and serum level of vitamins. Patient positively responded to vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation. Infants with pancytopenia even younger than 2 months, should also be investigated for vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Mother of the baby was not antenatally investigated for anaemia. Prompt antenatal diagnosis and treatment of mothers can reduce the incidence in the infants.

Anemia: Macrocytic Anemia.

Macrocytic anemia is divided into megaloblastic and nonmegaloblastic causes, with the former being more common. Megaloblastic anemia results from impaired DNA synthesis, leading to release of megaloblasts, which are large nucleated red blood cell precursors with chromatin that is not condensed. Vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common cause for megaloblastic anemia, although folate deficiency also can contribute. Nonmegaloblastic anemia entails normal DNA synthesis and typically is caused by chronic liver dysfunction, hypothyroidism, alcohol use disorder, or myelodysplastic disorders. Macrocytosis also can result from release of reticulocytes in the normal physiologic response to acute anemia. Management of macrocytic anemia is specific to the etiology identified through testing and patient evaluation.

Refractory pancytopenia and megaloblastic anemia due to falciparum malaria.

Anemia is a common complication in malarial infection. Direct destruction and ineffective erythropoesis does not adequately explain the cause of anemia in malaria. We present a case with refractory megaloblastic anemia with asymptomatic falciparum malaria. We hypothesize that promoter variants in the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene might be the cause of severe refractory megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia in our patient. Malaria should always be kept in mind as a cause of anemia especially in endemic areas even if the child is asymptomatic or there is no demonstrable parasite on routine smear examination.

Should transcobalamin deficiency be treated aggressively?

Transcobalamin (transcobalamin II, TC) transports plasma vitamin B(12) (cobalamin, Cbl) into cells. TC deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder causing intracellular Cbl depletion, which in turn causes megaloblastic bone marrow failure, accumulation of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, and methionine depletion. The clinical presentation reflects intracellular Cbl defects, with early-onset failure to thrive with gastrointestinal symptoms, pancytopenia, and megaloblastic anemia, sometimes followed by neurological complications. We report the clinical, biological, and molecular findings and the outcome in five TC-deficient patients. The three treated early had an initial favorable outcome, whereas the two treated inadequately had late-onset severe neuro-ophthalmological impairment. Even if the natural course of the disease over time might also result in late-onset symptoms in the aggressively treated patients, these data emphasize that TC deficiency is a severe disorder requiring early detection and probably long-term aggressive therapy. Mutation analysis revealed six unreported mutations in the TCN2 gene. In silico structural analysis showed that these mutations disrupt the Cbl-TC interaction domain and/or the putative transcobalamin-transcobalamin receptor interaction domain.

Vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of severe neurological symptoms in breast fed infant - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, cbl) deficiency in children is rare and may occurs in exclusively breast fed infants of mothers on vegetarian or vegan diet with lack of appropriate supplementation. The clinical manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency include neurological disorders, megaloblastic anemia and failure to thrive. Routine and commonly used laboratory tests such as cell blood count (CBC) or serum vitamin B12 level are sufficient for appropriate diagnosis. Typical therapy is based on intramuscular cobalamin injections. Early diagnosis and early onset of treatment are crucial factors for long-term prognosis of patients as the duration of deficiency may be correlated with the development of long lasting changes in the nervous system. The purpose of this article is to present influence of maternal vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of infant psychomotor retardation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 7 months old girl whose parents sought medical advice due to pathological somnolence and developmental regression of their daughter with onset approximately 2 months prior to the visit. Following several diagnostic tests it was determined that the infant's symptoms were due to vitamin B12 deficiency which was secondary to the mother's latent Addison-Biermer disease. Apart from neurological symptoms the infant also showed megaloblastic anemia which is typical to cobalamin deficiencies. Intramuscular vitamin B12 supplementation resulted in instant improvement of the patient's general condition and blood morphology. Unfortunately, psychological examination indicated long-term psychomotor retardation due to delayed diagnosis of B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 levels should be considered during differential diagnosis of neurological symptoms in exclusively breast-fed infants especially if they co-exist with megaloblastic anemia and psychomotor retardation.

A novel mutation in the SLC19A2 gene in a Turkish female with thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome.

Reported here is a 2-year-old girl who was diagnosed to have thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia during evaluations for her bilateral neurosensorial deafness. Besides reporting a new mutation on the gene SLC19A2 for the first time in the literature, we highlight the recognition of this syndrome--when megaloblastic anemia and diabetes mellitus coexists--and the role of thiamine replacement for the treatment of both disorders.

[Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia or Rogers syndrome: A literature review]. / L'anémie mégaloblastique thiamine dépendante ou syndrome de Rogers : une revue de la littérature.

Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA), also known as Rogers syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by three main components: megaloblastic anemia, diabetes mellitus and sensorineural deafness. Those features occur in infancy but may arise during adolescence. Diagnosis relies on uncovering genetic variations (alleles) in the SLC19A2 gene, encoding for a high affinity thiamine transporter. This transporter is essentially present in hematopoietic stem cells, pancreatic beta cells and inner ear cells, explaining the clinical manifestations of the disease. Based on a multidisciplinary approach, treatment resides on lifelong thiamine oral supplementation at pharmacological doses, which reverses anemia and may delay development of diabetes. However, thiamine supplementation does not alleviate already existing hearing defects.

[Drug-induced anemia].

Drug-induced anemia includes many kind of anemias with different mechanisms. Mechanisms of drug-induced anemia are divided into two groups, namely erythrocyte injury in peripheral blood and damage of erythroid progenitor cells or erythroblasts. Hemolytic anemias are included in the former and megaloblastic anemia, ringed sideroblastic anemia and pure red cell aplasia are included in the latter. When the drug induced anemia is suspected, complete blood cell count including reticulocyte count and examination of the blood smear and blood chemistry tests should be done. Also, history of the medication should be precisely taken. As for the treatment of drug-induced anemia, the responsible drug should be stopped immediately and individual therapy will be done if necessary.

Pancitopènia en un lactant secundària a anèmia perniciosa materna / Pancitopenia en un lactante secundaria a anemia perniciosa materna / Pancytopenia secondary to maternal pernicious anemia in an infant

Introducció. L’anèmia megaloblàstica és una causa poc freqüent de pancitopènia en lactants. La seva principal etiologia és el dèficit matern de vitamina B12 en recent nascuts alimentats exclusivament amb lactància materna, toti que en alguns casos aquest déficit pot ser secundari auna anèmia perniciosa materna.Cas clínic. Lactant de 3 mesos que va consultar a urgènciesper vòmits i estancament ponderal de 3 setmanesd’evolució. En l’analítica sanguínia destacava anèmia (hemoglobina 6,5 g/dL), trombocitopènia (12 x10E9/L) i leucopènia (5,5 x10E9/L) amb neutropènia severa (0,11x10E9/L). Els nivells de vitamina B12 van resultar ser de60 pg/mL. Davant la confirmació d’anèmia megaloblàstica,es completà l’estudi amb una analítica sanguínia i gastroscòpia materna que mostraren una anèmia perniciosa, prèviament desconeguda, causant del dèficit de cobalamina ala pacient. Es va iniciar suplementació amb vitamina B12endovenosa, comprovant-se bona resposta reticulocitària,augment de leucòcits i manteniment de xifra normal deplaquetes i hemoglobina.Comentaris. Les alteracions neurològiques secundàries aldéficit de vitamina B12 poden arribar a ser severes, i enalgunes ocasions fins i tot irreversibles. La importància delseu diagnòstic és la instauració de suplementació precoçper a corregir el dèficit i així millorar el pronòstic. (AU)

Introducción. La anemia megaloblástica es una causa poco frecuente de pancitopenia en lactantes. Su principal etiología es eldéficit materno de vitamina B12 en recién nacidos alimentadosexclusivamente con lactancia materna, aunque en algunos casospuede ser secundario a una anemia perniciosa materna.Caso clínico. Lactante de 3 meses que consultó a urgencias porvómitos y estancamiento ponderal de 3 semanas de evolución. Enla analítica sanguínea destacaba anemia (hemoglobina 6,5 g/dL), trombocitopenia (12 x10E9/L) y leucopenia (5,5 x10E9/L) con neutropenia severa (0,11 x10E9/L). Los niveles de vitamina B12 resultaron ser de 60 pg/mL. Ante la confirmación de anemia megaloblástica, se completó el estudio con una analítica sanguínea ygastroscopia materna que mostraron una anemia perniciosa, previamente desconocida, causante del déficit de cobalamina a la paciente. Se inició suplementación con vitamina B12 endovenosa,comprobándose buena respuesta reticulocitaria, aumento de leucocitos y mantenimiento de cifra normal de plaquetas y hemoglobina.Comentarios. Las alteraciones neurológicas secundarias al déficitpueden llegar a ser severas, y en algunas ocasiones incluso irreversibles. La importancia de su diagnóstico es la instauración de suplementación precoz para corregir el déficit y así mejorar el pronóstico. (AU)

Introduction. Megaloblastic anemia is a rare cause of pancytopeniain infants. Its main etiology is maternal vitamin B12 deficiency inexclusively breastfed newborns, although in some cases it may besecondary to maternal pernicious anemia.Case report. Three-month-old infant who consulted the emergencydepartment for vomiting and a three-week failure to thrive. Laboratory evaluation was significant for anemia (hemoglobin 6,5 g/dL),thrombocytopenia (12 x109/L) and leukopenia (5,5 x109/L) withsevere neutropenia (0,11 x109/L). Vitamin B12 levels were foundto be 60 pg/mL. Upon confirmation of megaloblastic anemia, thestudy was completed with a blood test and maternal gastroscopythat showed a previously unknown pernicious anemia causingthe patient's cobalamin deficit. Vitamin B12 supplementationwas started intravenously, proving good reticulocyte response,increase of leukocytes and normalization of platelet and hemoglobin values.Comments. Neurological alterations secondary to vitamin B12 deficit can be severe, and sometimes even irreversible. The importance of its diagnosis is the establishment of early supplementation to correct the deficit and thus improve the prognosis. (AU)

[Management, prevention and control of megaloblastic anemia, secondary to folic acid deficiency]. / Manejo, prevención y control de la anemia megaloblástica secundaria a déficit de ácido fólico.

Folic acid deficiency is the second most common cause of anemia in our environment, after anemia secondary to iron deficiency. Folates are essential components of human and animal diet. Folic acid is mainly in poliglutamate form, and it is hydrolyzed in the proximal jejunum. It is important to identify adequately the exact vitamin deficiency that causes megaloblastic anemia, because vitamin B12 administration in folate deficiency may correct partially megaloblastic alterations, but administration of folic acid in cobalamin deficient patients improves haematological parameters but deteriorates the neurological syndrome. Main causes of anemia secondary to folate deficiency are inadequate dietetic administration, increased requirements, impaired absorption and pharmacologic interactions. Folates are altered by light, high temperature and by water affinity, which facilitates its elimination by washing or cooking.

Anemia y patología digestiva / Anemia and digestive diseases / Anemia e patologia digestiva

Cada vez más los pacientes diagnosticados con anemia son referidos al gastroenterólogo para su evaluación. La necesidad de realizar un adecuado planteo clínico y una correcta interpretación de las pruebas de diagnóstico ha motivado la revisión de este tema. Varios trastornos gastroenterológicos, con frecuencia, conducen a anemia como resultado de pérdidas sanguíneas, inflamación, malabsorción o a consecuencia de las terapias farmacológicas. En algunas patologías como la cirrosis, EII o neoplasias las causas son a menudo multifactoriales. Esta revisión, pretende proporcionar un enfoque útil para la práctica clínica. Para ello se ha revisado la información actualizada acerca de la patogénesis, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la anemia vinculada a patologías digestivas y se han confeccionados cuadros y algoritmos para facilitar su comprensión.

More and more patients diagnosed with anemia are referred to the gastroenterologist for evaluation. The need to carry out an adequate clinical approach and a correct interpretation of diagnostic tests has motivated this review. Several digestive diseases frequently lead to anemia because of blood loss, inflammation, malabsorption, or drug therapies. In some of them such as cirrhosis, IBD or neoplasms, the etiology is multifactorial. This review is intended to provide a useful approach to clinical practice. To this aim, updated information on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of anemia related to digestive diseases has been reviewed, and tables and algorithms have been built to favor its understanding.

Cada vez mais pacientes diagnosticados com anemia são encaminhados ao gastroenterologista para avaliação. A necessidade de realizar uma abordagem clínica adequada e uma interpretação correta dos testes de diagnóstico motivou a revisão deste tema. Vários distúrbios gastroenterológicos freqüentemente levam à anemia como resultado de perda de sangue, inflamação, má absorção ou pelas próprias terapias farmacológicas. Em algumas patologias como cirrose, DII ou neoplasias, as causas costumam ser multifatoriais. Esta revisão visa fornecer uma abordagem útil à prática clínica. Para esse fim, foram revisadas informações atualizadas sobre a patogênese, o diagnóstico e o tratamento da anemia associada à patologia digestiva e foram elaboradas tabelas e algoritmos para facilitar seu entendimento.

Bilateral macular hemorrhage due to megaloblastic anemia: A rare case report.

We report a case of a 17-year-old female patient who presented with sudden, painless, nonprogressive diminished vision in both eyes (best corrected visual acuity in right eye - 6/60 and left eye - 6/36). An ophthalmological evaluation revealed bilateral pale tarsal conjunctiva and bilateral macular hemorrhage. Hematological evaluation revealed the presence of megalocytic anemia (with hemoglobin - 4.9 g%). General examination showed severe pallor. On systemic examination, no abnormality was detected, confirmed by ultrasonography abdomen. Other causes of severe anemia have been ruled out. Intraocular pressure in both eyes was 12 mmHg. This case documents the rare occurrence of bilateral subinternal limiting membrane macular hemorrhage with megaloblastic anemia without thrombocytopenia and other retinal features of anemic retinopathy.

Effects of transfusion on serum iron, serum lactate dehydrogenase and platelets in megaloblastic anemia.

In 11 patients with megaloblastic anemia, transfusion of packed erythrocytes or washed erythrocytes invariably resulted in a decline in plasma iron concentration to a range of 20-90 microgram/dl (3.6-16 mumol/l) after 36 to 48 hours. The same phenomenon was observed in two of six cases of ineffective erythropoiesis without megaloblastosis and in none of five cases of aplastic anemia. The observed changes did not result from a specific hematinic response or from iron uptake by a non-erythroid compartment. In megaloblastic anemia, alteration in marrow function in response to transfusion was reflected by plasma iron kinetics and serum lactate dehydrogenase values, which indicated marked reductions in both marrow hyperplasia and ineffective erythropoiesis. Transfusion in megalobastic anemia was also responsible for a 50% reduction in platelet count after 2 to 6 days. The significance of these changes is discussed.

A patient with megaloblastic anaemia and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Case history.

A young woman with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) was found to have a severe megaloblastic anaemia due to multiple alimentary vitamin deficiencies. After correction of the anaemia the idiopathic intracranial hypertension disappeared.

Folate and Vitamin B(12) deficiency presenting as pancytopenia in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

We present a case of extreme pancytopenia in a 27-year-old pregnant woman. The initial picture was compatible with a severe hematological problem in the category of aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or even acute leukemia. The further biochemical investigations revealed, however, a folate deficiency. Nowadays this is a very rare cause of pancytopenia. Next to this she also had a Vitamin B(12) deficiency due to intrinsic factor failure. The recent literature is discussed.