Long-term neurologic consequences of nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in infants.
A review of the clinical findings in six infants with nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency seen during the last 10 years was undertaken and an attempt made to obtain long-term neurologic follow-up. There was a consistent clinical pattern in vitamin B12-deficient infants; irritability, anorexia, and failure to thrive were associated with marked developmental regression and poor brain growth. Two of the four patients who qualified for long-term review had a poor intellectual outcome. Although early response to treatment is satisfying, the long-term consequences of nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in infants emphasize the need for prevention or early recognition of this syndrome.
Graham
S M
SM
Prince of Wales Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
Arvela
O M
OM
Wise
G A
GA
D000752:Anemia, Pernicious / Q000150:complications; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy
D014805:Vitamin B 12