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Brain atrophy caused by vitamin B12-deficient anemia in an infant

Michi Kamei1, Yasuhiko Ito, Naoki Ando

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan. mkamei@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|September 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin B12 deficiency in breastfed infants can cause severe anemia and neurological issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially if the mother has a history of gastrectomy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants presents with varied symptoms, often nonspecific.
  • Causes include poor intake, absorption issues, or inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism.
  • Maternal conditions, like post-gastrectomy status, can impact infant nutrition.

Observation:

  • A breastfed infant presented with severe anemia due to undiagnosed maternal vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • The mother had a total gastrectomy 18 years prior, leading to her deficiency.
  • The infant's condition improved significantly after vitamin B12 supplementation.

Findings:

  • Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly after gastrectomy, poses a risk to breastfed infants.
  • Infants can develop severe hematological and neurological symptoms from this deficiency.
  • Prompt vitamin B12 treatment in infants leads to normal development.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider maternal history, especially gastrectomy, when diagnosing infant anemia.
  • Screening and supplementation are vital for at-risk mothers and infants.
  • Timely intervention improves infant outcomes and long-term prognosis, preventing developmental delays.

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