Dermatologic findings of vitamin B 12 deficiency in infants.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants is uncommonly reported from developed countries and generally lacks dermatologic manifestations. On the contrary, infantile vitamin B12 deficiency is common in India and cutaneous manifestations are a constant feature, although often overshadowed by neurologic and hematological manifestations. The aim of this study was to describe the skin changes of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of vitamin B12 deficient infants for clinical and laboratory parameters was performed and data analyzed.

RESULTS: Forty-three infants, 30 boys and 13 girls, aged 4 to 27 months, with vitamin B12 deficiency were identified. Skin hyperpigmentation was present in 41 infants; it was localized to the dorsa of hands and feet in 26. Fifteen infants had generalized hyperpigmentation; 10 had a reticulate pattern, and 5 had a homogeneous pattern. Brown and sparse scalp hair were present in all. Glossitis was seen in 5 infants and cheilitis in 3. Of the 32 infants who underwent laboratory investigations, 28 had anemia and 21 macrocytosis. Serum vitamin B12 was measured in 30 infants; it was low in 19. Of the 11 with normal serum vitamin B12 , 9 had received vitamin B12 before referral but had macrocytosis and low maternal serum vitamin B12 . The infants were treated with vitamin B12 . Skin pigmentation and mucosal changes resolved completely by 3-4 weeks, but hair changes were slower to reverse.

CONCLUSION: Cutaneous findings are a common feature of vitamin B12 deficiency in Indian infants and resolve with treatment.