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Severe Anaemia during Late Pregnancy
Mahenaz Akhtar1, Ismail Hassan
1School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK.
Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 19, 2012
Summary
Severe anemia in pregnancy due to vitamin B12 deficiency is rare but serious. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including vitamin B12 injections and blood transfusions, significantly improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is uncommon during pregnancy, affecting 10-28% of uncomplicated pregnancies.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to various complications in pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case report of severe anemia in late pregnancy caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and management of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 21-year-old pregnant patient presenting with severe anemia.
- Diagnostic workup included full blood counts, folate, and vitamin B12 levels.
- Treatment involved vitamin B12 injections, folic acid, and blood transfusions.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with severe anemia (hemoglobin 3.7 g/dL) due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Following treatment, hemoglobin levels improved to 10.7 g/dL.
- Effective management prevented potential complications associated with severe anemia.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can cause severe anemia in pregnancy.
- Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for positive maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Thorough history taking and diagnostic evaluation are essential for managing such cases.
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