Correlation of pancytopenia and vitamin b12 deficiency in anaemic adolescents aged 10-17 years

Anemia is a major global public health problem, especially in children and reproductive age women, affecting both developed and developing country. Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin (Cbl) is a water soluble vitamin. Cobalamin is synthesized by microorganisms present in the environment and in the intestines of animals. Pancytopenia is the reduction below the normal values of all the three peripheral linages of the blood namely erythrocytes, leucocytes and platelets. It is known that vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anaemia as cobalamin is essential for the production of erythrocytes. Adolescents form the transition span of life between childhood and adulthood. Along with the growth spurt and the other changes associated with adolescence, the basic demand for nutrient supply also increases tremendously. Iron deficiency anaemia being the most common cause of anaemia, we wanted to study the correlation of pancytopenia and vitamin B12 deficiency in anaemic adolescents. 40 anaemic adolescents were enrolled in the study. The study shows there is a significant correlation between pancytopenia and Vitamin B12 deficiency.