Retrospective evaluation of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency

Introduction: Cbl is a cofactor that has functions such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and methylation necessary for the health of all developed organisms and some microorganisms, and also takes part in the homocysteine and methionine cycle. With this study, it was aimed to determine the difference between vitamin B12 levels after treatment according to treatment methods, leukopenia with vitamin B12 level, MCV level, age group, clinical response after treatment, comparison of system involvement to which the complaint is related, determining the frequency of complaints according to the system held, intended to evaluate clinical response according to treatment modality. Material-Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study and was conducted in Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Pediatric Hematology outpatient clinic. Between January 2016 and May 2020, the records of cases between 0-18 years of age with B12 <200 pg/ml were reached. Findings: The mean age of the patients was 6.4 years, and 49% (n=102) were female and 51% (n=106) were male. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment vitamin B12 level, vitamin B12 level and MCV level, and severe vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in infants under 2 years of age (p:<0,05). There was no significant relationship between vitamin B12 level and leukopenia (p:>0,05). There was no significant difference between vitamin B12 level and clinical response after treatment, between vitamin B12 level and systemic involvement of the complaint, and between treatment methods and clinical response (p:>0,05). Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency is of great importance for human health. When treatment is started, especially in patients with severe neurological system involvement (such as cerebral atrophy, convulsion, neuromotor developmental retardation, demyelination), recovery and recovery time is prolonged and sometimes not possible. Individuals who are considering pregnancy, pregnant women and nursing mothers should be informed about taking vitamin supplements correctly, healthy diet planning and proper nutrition in the transition of babies to complementary foods. Keywords: Child; MeCbl; vitamin B12