A.V. DUBOVAIA¹, E.V. BORDYUGOVA^1, 2, G.I. BAESHKO¹, K.N. МARCHENKO¹, N.A. USENKO¹

 ¹M. Gorky Donetsk State Medical University, Donetsk

²V.K. Gusak Institute of Emergency and Reconstructive Surgery

Contact details:

Dubovaya A.V. — MD, Professor, Head of the Department of Pediatrics No. 3

Address: 16 prospekt Ilyicha, 283003 Donetsk, Russian Federation, tel.: +7-949-398-97-85, e-mail: dubovaya_anna@mail.ru

Megaloblastic anemia in early childhood is a rare but clinically relevant condition caused by vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency. It is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, pancytopenia, and neurological impairment, posing a significant threat to normal child development.

The purpose — to investigate the etiological factors, clinical features, and diagnostic approaches in cases of megaloblastic anemia in young children.

Material and methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 11 children aged 5 months to 3 years, hospitalized in the pediatric Hemato-oncology Department between 2014 and 2022. Clinical and nutritional history, serum concentrations of vitamin B12, folates, and iron, as well as bone marrow morphology, were evaluated.

Results. Severe anemic syndrome was the dominant clinical manifestation. Neurological abnormalities were present in all infants under one year of age with vitamin B12 deficiency, including delayed acquisition of motor skills and regression of previously achieved milestones. Laboratory findings revealed macrocytic, hyperchromic anemia and thrombocytopenia; leukopenia was observed in three patients. In most cases, vitamin B12 deficiency was linked to maternal deficiency during pregnancy or lactation. Folate-deficiency anemia was associated with significant dietary inadequacies and inappropriate feeding practices.

Conclusion. Nutritional deficiency is the leading cause of megaloblastic anemia in early childhood. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can result in full recovery of both hematologic parameters and clinical status.

Key words: megaloblastic anemia, children, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency.

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