STUDY OF CLINICOHEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF VITAMIN B 12 DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN

Dr.C.V.Prathyusha; Dr.A.V.Ramakishore

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

STUDY OF CLINICOHEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF VITAMIN B 12 DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN

Dr. C. V. Prathyusha, Dr. A. V. Ramakishore

Abstract :

Vitamin B12 deficiency is an important and under recognised cause of anemia and neurological morbidity in children. As per previous studies from India iron deficiency was most common cause for anemia. But from the past two to three decades prevalence of cobalamin deficiency is increasing. This study aims to study the various clinical, neurological manifestations and hematologic profile of Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children aged 6 months to 12 years. A total of 58 children with Vitamin B12 deficiency were studied of which the most common age group affected were 1 to 4 years. Pallor, Anorexia, generalised weakness (100%), hyper pigmented knuckles (94%) and Hyper pigmented distal phalanges (90%), Glossitis (68%) were the most common presentations. The neurological features were seen in all the cases in 6 – 12 month age group. Leucopenia was seen in 74% and Thrombocytopenia in 49% cases. Early identification and treatment can prevent irreversible ain injury and its profound impact on neurological outcome of child.