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Wolffenbuttel BHR, McCaddon A, Ahmadi KR, Green R. A Brief Overview of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cobalamin (B12) Deficiency. Food Nutr Bull 2024; 45:S40-S49. [PMID: 38987879 DOI: 10.1177/03795721241229500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of adult individuals are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, either from reduced nutritional intake or impaired gastrointestinal B12 absorption. OBJECTIVE This study aims to review the current best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency. METHODS A narrative literature review of the diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. RESULTS Prevention and early treatment of B12 deficiency is essential to avoid irreversible neurological consequences. Diagnosis is often difficult due to diverse symptoms, marked differences in diagnostic assays' performance and the unreliability of second-line biomarkers, including holo-transcobalamin, methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine. Reduced dietary intake of B12 requires oral supplementation. In B12 malabsorption, oral supplementation is likely insufficient, and parenteral (i.e. intramuscular) supplementation is preferred. There is no consensus on the optimal long-term management of B12 deficiency with intramuscular therapy. According to the British National Formulary guidelines, many individuals with B12 deficiency due to malabsorption can be managed with 1000 µg intramuscular hydroxocobalamin once every two months after the initial loading. Long-term B12 supplementation is effective and safe, but responses to treatment may vary considerably. Clinical and patient experience strongly suggests that up to 50% of individuals require individualized injection regimens with more frequent administration, ranging from daily or twice weekly to every 2-4 weeks, to remain symptom-free and maintain a normal quality of life. 'Titration' of injection frequency based on measuring biomarkers such as serum B12 or MMA should not be practiced. There is currently no evidence to support that oral/sublingual supplementation can safely and effectively replace injections. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the interindividual differences in symptomatology and treatment of people with B12 deficiency. Treatment follows an individualized approach, based on the cause of the deficiency, and tailored to help someone to become and remain symptom-free.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew McCaddon
- Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, Wrexham University, Wrexham, United Kingdom
| | - Kourosh R Ahmadi
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ralph Green
- University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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2
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Storz MA, Müller A, Niederreiter L, Zimmermann-Klemd AM, Suarez-Alvarez M, Kowarschik S, Strittmatter M, Schlachter E, Pasluosta C, Huber R, Hannibal L. A cross-sectional study of nutritional status in healthy, young, physically-active German omnivores, vegetarians and vegans reveals adequate vitamin B 12 status in supplemented vegans. Ann Med 2023; 55:2269969. [PMID: 37851870 PMCID: PMC10586079 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2269969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Plant-based diets reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease but also increase the risk of certain micronutrient deficiencies, particularly, of vitamin B12 (B12). The extent to which the unsupervised use of oral nutrient supplements is sufficient to prevent these deficiencies is not well established. We analyzed nutrient intake, laboratory biomarkers, supplementation behavior, and B12 status adequacy amongst young, healthy, physically active omnivores, lacto-ovo-vegetarians and vegans from Germany. METHODS We recruited 115 participants (n = 40 omnivores; n = 37 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and n = 38 vegans) with comparable age, sex, marital status, physical activity and educational levels through online advertisements and local newspapers in Freiburg, Germany. RESULTS Energy intake and macronutrient distribution were comparable across diets. Major differences included intake of fiber, cholesterol, and several vitamins. Vegans had the lowest intake of B12 from foods (0.43 (0.58) µg/d), compared to omnivores (2.14 (2.29) µg/d) and lacto-ovo-vegetarians (0.98 (1.34) µg/day). Multivariate analysis of 36 blood biomarkers revealed that three major classes of biomarkers contributed the most to the clustering of individuals by dietary group, namely, biomarkers of B12 status (B12, holoTC, Hcy), iron (iron, ferritin, transferrin) and lipid metabolism (vitamin A, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, TAG). This suggests that nutrients that modify the metabolic pathways represented by these biomarkers have the most penetrating effect on health status across diets. Analysis of B12 status (including 4cB12) revealed adequacy in omnivores and vegans, and a poorer B12 status amongst lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Fewer lacto-ovo-vegetarians used B12 supplements compared to vegans (51% versus 90%). CONCLUSIONS Even amongst homogeneously healthy Germans, each diet manifested with measurable differences in dietary intakes and biomarkers of health. Plant-based diets, in particular the vegan diet, exhibited the most favorable patterns of lipid metabolism and glycemic control, but the lowest food intake of B12. Supplementation of healthy vegans with B12 (median 250 µg B12/day, over 2 years) secured an adequate B12 status that was comparable to that of healthy omnivores.Clinical Trial Registry: German Clinical Trial register number: DRKS00027425.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Müller
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Niederreiter
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amy M. Zimmermann-Klemd
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Translational Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Suarez-Alvarez
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, University of Freiburg, , Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kowarschik
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Monique Strittmatter
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Schlachter
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cristian Pasluosta
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luciana Hannibal
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, University of Freiburg, , Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Esposito G, Dottori L, Pivetta G, Ligato I, Dilaghi E, Lahner E. Pernicious Anemia: The Hematological Presentation of a Multifaceted Disorder Caused by Cobalamin Deficiency. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081672. [PMID: 35458234 PMCID: PMC9030741 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pernicious anemia is still a neglected disorder in many medical contexts and is underdiagnosed in many patients. Pernicious anemia is linked to but different from autoimmune gastritis. Pernicious anemia occurs in a later stage of autoimmune atrophic gastritis when gastric intrinsic factor deficiency and consequent vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The multifaceted nature of pernicious anemia is related to the important role of cobalamin, which, when deficient, may lead to several dysfunctions, and thus, the proteiform clinical presentations of pernicious anemia. Indeed, pernicious anemia may lead to potentially serious long-term complications related to micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences and the development of gastric cancer and type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors. When not recognized in a timely manner or when pernicious anemia is diagnosed with delay, these complications may be potentially life-threatening and sometimes irreversible. The current review aimed to focus on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentations of pernicious anemia in an attempt to look beyond borders of medical specialties. It aimed to focus on micronutrient deficiencies besides the well-known vitamin B12 deficiency, the diagnostic approach for pernicious anemia, its long-term complications and optimal clinical management, and endoscopic surveillance of patients with pernicious anemia.
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4
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Reappraisal: Premature Graying of Hair. Am J Med 2021; 134:e287-e288. [PMID: 33144129 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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5
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Chang SM, Gondim M, Huang M. Vitamin B12 malabsorption and pseudo- thrombotic microangiopathy in an adolescent. THROMBOSIS UPDATE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tru.2021.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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6
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Kyio NH, Turgut S, Ozkan T, Cetin G. Evolution of Hematological Parameters During the First 2 Years After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Results of a Retrospective Study. Obes Surg 2020; 30:2606-2611. [DOI: 10.1007/s11695-020-04528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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7
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Berk J, Hall D, Stroh I, Armstrong C, Mishra K, Pecker LH, Lau BW. A Child With Pancytopenia and Optic Disc Swelling. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2018-2887. [PMID: 31594907 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-2887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A previously healthy 16-year-old adolescent boy presented with pallor, blurry vision, fatigue, and dyspnea on exertion. Physical examination demonstrated hypertension and bilateral optic nerve swelling. Laboratory testing revealed pancytopenia. Pediatric hematology, ophthalmology and neurology were consulted and a life-threatening diagnosis was made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Berk
- Division of Intermal Medicine and Pediatrics.,Department of Pediatrics; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Lydia H Pecker
- Pediatric Hematology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bonnie W Lau
- Pediatric Hematology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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9
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Harada Y, Komori I, Morinaga K, Shimizu T. Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia with thrombocytopenia induced by vitamin B12 deficiency long term after gastrectomy. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2018-225915. [PMID: 30232206 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia with thrombocytopenia, called pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), is a clinically important complication in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. We herein present a case of an 80-year-old woman with pseudo-TMA after gastrectomy. She was initially suspected with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura based on rapid progression of anaemia with schistocytes and thrombocytopenia; however, her anaemia and thrombocytopenia were improved by vitamin B12 supplementation alone, with a single session of plasma exchange. Vitamin B12 deficiency was finally confirmed by low vitamin B12 levels from the patient's initial blood sample. In addition, normal ADAMTS13 activity was proven, lowering the likelihood of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Therefore, this patient was diagnosed with pseudo-TMA caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Pseudo-TMA can occur in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency post-gastrectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinori Harada
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Itsumi Komori
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Kouhei Morinaga
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Taro Shimizu
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
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10
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Jolobe OMP. The wider implications of suspected cobalamin deficiency myelopathy. QJM 2018; 111:427. [PMID: 29474664 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- O M P Jolobe
- From the Division of medicine, Manchester Medical Society, Simon Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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11
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Green R, Allen LH, Bjørke-Monsen AL, Brito A, Guéant JL, Miller JW, Molloy AM, Nexo E, Stabler S, Toh BH, Ueland PM, Yajnik C. Vitamin B 12 deficiency. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017; 3:17040. [PMID: 28660890 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin B12 (B12; also known as cobalamin) is a B vitamin that has an important role in cellular metabolism, especially in DNA synthesis, methylation and mitochondrial metabolism. Clinical B12 deficiency with classic haematological and neurological manifestations is relatively uncommon. However, subclinical deficiency affects between 2.5% and 26% of the general population depending on the definition used, although the clinical relevance is unclear. B12 deficiency can affect individuals at all ages, but most particularly elderly individuals. Infants, children, adolescents and women of reproductive age are also at high risk of deficiency in populations where dietary intake of B12-containing animal-derived foods is restricted. Deficiency is caused by either inadequate intake, inadequate bioavailability or malabsorption. Disruption of B12 transport in the blood, or impaired cellular uptake or metabolism causes an intracellular deficiency. Diagnostic biomarkers for B12 status include decreased levels of circulating total B12 and transcobalamin-bound B12, and abnormally increased levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid. However, the exact cut-offs to classify clinical and subclinical deficiency remain debated. Management depends on B12 supplementation, either via high-dose oral routes or via parenteral administration. This Primer describes the current knowledge surrounding B12 deficiency, and highlights improvements in diagnostic methods as well as shifting concepts about the prevalence, causes and manifestations of B12 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, 4400 V Street, PATH Building, Davis, California 95817, USA
| | - Lindsay H Allen
- USDA, ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Alex Brito
- USDA, ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- Inserm UMRS 954 N-GERE (Nutrition Génétique et Exposition aux Risques Environnementaux), University of Lorraine and INSERM, Nancy, France
| | - Joshua W Miller
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Anne M Molloy
- School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ebba Nexo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sally Stabler
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Ban-Hock Toh
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Section for Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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12
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O'Malley P. The Lived Experience of Anemia Without a Cause. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2017; 29:389-396. [PMID: 28778298 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This article explores anemia without an obvious cause from two perspectives: a patient and the evidence. Although evidence is required to drive favorable patient outcomes, the focus on evidence often hides the patient experience during diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge of experience with evidence can provide a deeper perspective for clinical decision making and meet nursing's ethical mandate to relieve suffering. Although one patient experience does not reflect every patient experience, this patient's experience demonstrates how difficult and dark anemia can be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia O'Malley
- Department of Nursing Research, Premier Health, Center of Nursing Excellence, 1 Wyoming Street, Dayton, OH 45409, USA; School of Nursing, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Boulevard, Richmond, IN 47374, USA.
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13
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Abstract
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are major causes of megaloblastic anemia. Causes of B12 deficiency include pernicious anemia, gastric surgery, intestinal disorders, dietary deficiency, and inherited disorders of B12 transport or absorption. The prevalence of folate deficiency has decreased because of folate fortification, but deficiency still occurs from malabsorption and increased demand. Other causes include drugs and inborn metabolic errors. Clinical features of megaloblastic anemia include anemia, cytopenias, jaundice, and megaloblastic marrow morphology. Neurologic symptoms occur in B12 deficiency, but not in folate deficiency. Management includes identifying any deficiency, establishing its cause, and replenishing B12 or folate parenterally or orally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, University of California Davis Health System, 4400 V. Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Ananya Datta Mitra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, University of California Davis Health System, 4400 V. Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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D'Angelo G. Copper deficiency mimicking myelodysplastic syndrome. Blood Res 2016; 51:217-219. [PMID: 28090480 PMCID: PMC5234233 DOI: 10.5045/br.2016.51.4.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guido D'Angelo
- Laboratory of Clinical-Chemistry, Hematology and Microbiology, ASST Valle Olona, Gallarate Hospital, Varese, Italy
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15
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Roque AID, da Silva CN, Martins JMDRMA, Pereira MAF. Spurious laboratory alterations in pernicious anemia. Rev Bras Hematol Hemoter 2015; 37:414-6. [PMID: 26670405 PMCID: PMC4678777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjhh.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Antwi-Baffour S, Annor DK, Adjei JK, Kyeremeh R, Kpentey G, Kyei F. Anemia in prospective blood donors deferred by the copper sulphate technique of hemoglobin estimation. BMC HEMATOLOGY 2015; 15:15. [PMID: 26500781 PMCID: PMC4618942 DOI: 10.1186/s12878-015-0035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients who require transfusion as part of their clinical management have the right to expect sufficient blood to be available to meet their needs and to receive the safest blood possible. Donor deferrals (disqualification) lead to loss of precious blood donors and blood units available for transfusion purposes. It is believed that a large majority of donor deferrals are due to temporal and correctable causes such as anemia in developing countries. It is therefore important to determine anemia among donor population to inform decision-making on the type of measures to be taken to reduce deferrals due to anemia. The aim of the study was to determine anemia in prospective blood donors deferred by the copper sulphate technique of hemoglobin estimation. This, to provide information that would help plan a future strategy for donor recruitment and management. Methods Three (3) ml of venous blood samples were collected from the study subjects into EDTA anticoagulant tubes. The hemoglobin levels and red cell indices were measured using Sysmex hematology analyser. A thin blood film was prepared and stained using Leishman stain and then observed under the light microscope. Results The prevalence of anemia among the total deferred patients (538) was 17.1 %. Four different types of anemia were found among the subjects. These were normocytic normochromic (46.74 %), microcytic hypochromic (42.39 %) normocytic hypochromic (8.70 %), and microcytic normochromic anemia (2.17 %). Conclusion The study showed that a significant number of the prospective blood donors deferred for having low hemoglobin by the copper sulphate method turned out to have anemia by the standard method of diagnosis. Prevalence of anemia among apparently healthy blood donors was therefore higher than expected. Measures must therefore be taken to address this in order not to lose potential blood donors due to a correctable and preventable cause such as anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Antwi-Baffour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box KB 143, Korle-Bu Accra, Ghana
| | - David Kwasie Annor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box KB 143, Korle-Bu Accra, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Kofi Adjei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box KB 143, Korle-Bu Accra, Ghana
| | - Ransford Kyeremeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box KB 143, Korle-Bu Accra, Ghana
| | - George Kpentey
- The Central Medical Laboratories, Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Foster Kyei
- College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Asano T, Narazaki H, Kaizu K, Matsukawa S, Takema-Tochikubo Y, Fujii S, Saitoh N, Mashiko K, Fujino O. Neglect-induced pseudo-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Pediatr Int 2015; 57:988-90. [PMID: 26387768 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is rare, early diagnosis and treatment are important for decreasing the mortality rate. Acquired vitamin B12 deficiency is frequently overlooked because of its rarity in developed countries, particularly in children and adolescents. The hematological changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as megaloblastic anemia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, vasoconstriction, increased platelet aggregation, and abnormal activation of the coagulation followed by microangiopathy as well as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. We report herein the case of a 15-year-old girl who had been neglected, which might have caused pseudo-TTP through malnutrition, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency. When we encounter cases of TTP in children, clinicians must be aware of the possibility of malnutrition, particularly with vitamin B12 deficiency, even in developed countries, and investigate the cause of malnutrition including neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Asano
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Narazaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Kaizu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shouhei Matsukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Takema-Tochikubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujii
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Saitoh
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Mashiko
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Fujino
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai City, Chiba, Japan
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