1. Regression of milestones in two children secondary to a treatable pathology.
- Author
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Lokesh, Lingappa, Ramana, Dandmudi, and Sirisharani, Siddaiahgari
- Subjects
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ANEMIA in children , *VITAMIN B12 deficiency , *MUSCLE hypotonia , *NEUROPATHY - Abstract
Case 1: One year ten month old child presented with progressive pallor. Child was on pure vegetarian diet and prolonged breast feeds. He had pallor investigations revealed Macrocytic anemia. Folic acid level was low, Vitamin B12 levels were low normal. On Folate, iron and Oral Vitamin B 12 supplement improved with disappearance of irritability and pallor. Represented at age of 2 year nine months with irritability, reduced speech output. He had walking difficulties, imbalance and double incontinence. Megaloblastic picture on haemogram, features consistent with subacute combined cord degeneration of cord was noted. Urine methymalonic acid and homocysteine levels were significantly elevated with low Vit B12 and normal folate. Treatment with Vitamin B12 IM and oral folate resulted in total clinical normalization of the child over 4 month period. Case 2: One year 3 month old child with history of regression of milestones from 10 months of age. He had loss of ability to stand and sit up. Social smile, babbling and interaction was lost. He was predominantly on breast feeds. Skin and hair changes were noted. Child was irritable, poor eye contact with generalized hypotonia and sluggish DTRs. Haemogram revealed normocytic anemia, nerve conduction was suggestive of severe axonal and demyelinating motor sensory neuropathy. Vit B12 level were low. Responded to Vit B12, oral Folic acid, with dietary advice. On one month follow up had regained most of lost milestones. Neurological regression in very young children with severe vit B12 Deficiency is a treatable pathology when identified early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008