HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA AS A PRESENTATION OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY: A CASE REPORT

*Dr. Zahoor Hussain Daraz, Dr. Pramesh Kumar Yadav and Dr. Berkheez Shabir

ABSTRACT

Vitamin B12, a water soluble vitamin is synthesized by micro-organisms of human gut. Vitamin B12 absorption takes place in the terminal ileum after binding with intrinsic factor which is a type of glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach. Pernicious anemia is commonly seen in vitamin B12 deficiency which is due to lack of intrinsic factor. Usually, this is secondary to autoimmune phenomenon against gastric parietal cells. Complete blood count findings in Vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and peripheral blood film shows macrocytosis and hypersegmented neutrophils. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a very uncommon cause of hemolytic anemia (approximately 1.5% of cases). Here, we present a case of an 11-year-old male found to have severe anemia (obvious hemolytic features) secondary to marked vitamin B12 deficiency and improved after vitamin supplementation and provide a brief review of literature.

Keywords: Cobalamin/Vitamin B12; Hemolytic anemia; Hemolysis; Vitamin deficiency.