Dermatologic findings of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Hematology

Background:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare in developed nations and typically lacks skin symptoms.
• In contrast, infantile vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in India, frequently exhibiting cutaneous signs.
• These skin changes often are secondary to more prominent neurological and hematological issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and describe the specific skin manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in infants.
• To highlight the frequency and patterns of dermatologic findings in this population.
• To correlate clinical observations with laboratory parameters.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data was conducted.
• The study reviewed records of infants diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Data included patient demographics, physical examination findings, and laboratory test results.

Main Results:

• Forty-three infants (30 male, 13 female) aged 4-27 months with vitamin B12 deficiency were identified.
• Skin hyperpigmentation was observed in 41 infants, with localized or generalized patterns.
• All infants had brown, sparse scalp hair; glossitis and cheilitis were also noted, alongside anemia and macrocytosis in many.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous findings are a consistent feature of vitamin B12 deficiency in Indian infants.
• These dermatologic signs, including hyperpigmentation and mucosal changes, demonstrate complete resolution with vitamin B12 therapy.
• Hair changes also reverse, though at a slower pace compared to skin and mucosal improvements.