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Neurologic findings of nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in children
Faruk Incecik1, M Ozlem Hergüner, Sakir Altunbaşak
1Divisions of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, tukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.
Insights
Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants can cause severe neurological symptoms, including developmental delays and seizures. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition that can lead to serious health issues.
- Neurological symptoms in infants can be indicative of underlying metabolic or nutritional deficiencies.
- Megaloblastic anemia is a known consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case series of infants presenting with neurological symptoms due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To highlight the clinical and laboratory features associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in this cohort.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for preventing long-term neurological deficits.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 15 infants admitted between 2004 and 2007.
- Inclusion criteria: infants with neurological symptoms and confirmed vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Data collection included clinical presentation and laboratory findings.
Main Results:
- All 15 infants presented with anorexia, pallor, hypotonia, and neurodevelopmental retardation.
- Seizures were observed in 46.6% of infants, and tremor in 33%.
- The mean age of the affected infants was 11.7 months.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest with significant neurological deficits in infants, beyond megaloblastic anemia.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for mitigating persistent neurological damage.
- A comprehensive clinical and neurological evaluation is vital for identifying potential vitamin B12 deficiency in infants with developmental delays.
Abstract:
We report herein our interesting case series of 15 infants admitting with neurological symptoms who were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. Infants who were admitted to our hospital between 2004 and 2007 with neurological symptoms and were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency were included in this study. Data regarding clinical and laboratory features were obtained. Of 15 infants, 9 were boys (60%) and 6 were girls (40%). The mean age was 11.7 months. Anorexia, pallor, hypotonia, and neurodevelopmental retardation were present in all infants. Seizures and tremor were observed in 46.6% (7/15) and 33% (5/15) of patients, respectively. Seizures were generalized tonic-clonic in 4 patients, generalized tonic in 1 patient and focal in 2 patients. Four patients had tremor on admission and 1 patient had occurrence after vitamin B12 treatment. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to serious neurological deficits in addition to megaloblastic anemia. Persistent neurological damage can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. We believe that a thorough clinical and neurological assessment might prevent failure to notice rare but possible vitamin B12 deficiency in infants with neurological deficits and neurodevelopmental retardation.
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