Vitamin B12 Status in Anaemic Children in a Tertiary Care Institution, Trichy

Abstract

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is an important yet under-recognized cause of anemia in children and is associated with significant hematological, neurological, and neurocognitive complications. Early identification of vitamin B12 deficiency in anaemic children is essential to facilitate timely intervention and prevent irreversible adverse outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among children with anemia and to evaluate its association with clinical and demographic factors.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2022 to September 2023 at KAPV Government Medical College, Trichy. A total of 185 children aged 1 month to 12 years admitted with anemia were enrolled. Anemia was diagnosed according to World Health Organization age-specific criteria. Detailed clinical evaluation, socio-demographic information, red blood cell indices, peripheral smear examination, and serum vitamin B12 estimation were performed using a structured case record form. Statistical analysis was carried out using Jamovi software after obtaining institutional ethics committee approval.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 3.39 years, and 57.8% were males. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 49.7%, with a mean serum vitamin B12 level of 301 pg/mL. Although age, gender, socioeconomic status, nutritional status, and exclusive breastfeeding did not show statistically significant associations with vitamin B12 deficiency, a significant association was observed with vegetarian dietary habits. Clinical manifestations of anemia were significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas developmental delay and knuckle pigmentation were not significantly associated.

Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent among children with anemia. Routine assessment of vitamin B12 status, along with peripheral smear examination, should be incorporated into the evaluation of anaemic children to enable early diagnosis and prompt treatment, thereby reducing hematological and neurological complications.