Folate and Vitamin B(12) deficiency presenting as pancytopenia in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2002 Jan 10;100(2):251-4. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(01)00465-1.

Abstract

We present a case of extreme pancytopenia in a 27-year-old pregnant woman. The initial picture was compatible with a severe hematological problem in the category of aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or even acute leukemia. The further biochemical investigations revealed, however, a folate deficiency. Nowadays this is a very rare cause of pancytopenia. Next to this she also had a Vitamin B(12) deficiency due to intrinsic factor failure. The recent literature is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / pathology
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / therapy
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intrinsic Factor / deficiency
  • Male
  • Pancytopenia*
  • Platelet Transfusion
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Intrinsic Factor
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin B 12