ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CHILDREN WITH VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND ITS TREATMENT
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Keywords
Vitamin B12 deficiency, macrocytic anemia, children, neurological changes, treatment response
Abstract
Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a prevalent nutritional disorder among children, especially in resource-poor countries, with considerable hematological, neurological and developmental complications.
Objectives: To evaluate the anatomical and physiological changes in children with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and to assess the response to treatment.
Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted at Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, from January 2024 to January 2025. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used to enroll 72 children (1-12 years) with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Clinical, neurological, hematological, and biochemical data were collected. The children were treated with vitamin B12 and response to therapy was observed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Paired t-test and chi-square test were used, with p ≤0.05 being significant
Results: The mean age of participants was 6.8 ± 2.9 years, with male predominance (55.6%). Pallor (90.3%) and fatigue (80.6%) were the most common symptoms. Neurological involvement was observed in 30–40% of cases. Hematological analysis showed macrocytic anemia (MCV 104.6 ± 8.5 fL, Hb 7.9 ± 1.3 g/dL). Serum vitamin B12 levels were significantly low, with elevated homocysteine levels. Post-treatment, significant improvement was observed in hemoglobin (11.2 ± 1.4 g/dL), MCV, and vitamin B12 levels (p <0.001). Complete recovery was achieved in 69.4% of patients.
Conclusions: Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children leads to significant anatomical and physiological alterations. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to prevent long-term neurological complications and improve clinical outcomes.
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Shafaq Saleem
Lecturer, Department of Pathology, Gomal Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Aleina Ali Shah
Member BoGs, Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Kainat Khan
Trainee Medical Officer, Northwest General Hospital and Research Center, Peshawar, Pakistan
Juneda Sarfraz
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Kabir Medical College, Gandahara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Khalid Shehzad
Lecturer, Department of Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Javaid Hassan
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Kabir Medical College, Gandahara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
