Infantile tremor syndrome: a vitamin B12 deficiency syndrome in infants

A Randomized, Controlled, Noninferiority Trial Comparing Vitamin B12 Monotherapy Versus Combination Multinutrient Therapy with Vitamin B12 for Efficacy in Treatment of Infantile Tremor Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To compare the mean Likert (caregiver impression of change) and CAPUTE scores in children with ITS treated with daily injectable vitamin B12 alone versus injectable vitamin B12 with other multinutrients at 1 wk and 1 mo of therapy.

METHODS

This was an open-label, active-controlled, assessor-blinded, noninferiority, randomized clinical trial. The participants included children aged 3 mo to 2 y with infantile tremor syndrome. Children were randomized to receive either 1 mg of daily injectable vitamin B12 or 1 mg of daily injectable vitamin B12 with other multinutrients (B12 + MV). Primary outcome measure was the mean Likert score in the two arms at 1 wk. Secondary outcome measures were mean change in CAPUTE scores at 1 wk of therapy; and mean change in CAPUTE and Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) scores after 1 mo of treatment.

RESULTS

Seventy-two (N = 72) of the 160 screened were enrolled and randomized. The mean (SD) Likert score in the B12 group (n = 38) was 16.1 (3.7) and in the B12 + MV group (n = 34) was 14.9 (3.7); p = 0.237. Mean (SD) change in CAPUTE (CAT/CLAMS) at 1 mo in the groups was not statistically different. The mean (SD) change in social quotient in the B12 monotherapy group, 35.0 (20.7) was significantly higher than the B12 + multinutrient group 23.5 (15.4); p=0.01.

CONCLUSION

Injectable vitamin B12 monotherapy in ITS resulted in an improvement that was noninferior to combination multinutrient therapy, strongly supporting vitamin B12 deficiency as the cause of infantile tremor syndrome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at CTRI.org (CTRI/2018/05/013841).

Vitamins and minerals, education, and self-care need during preconception to 1000 days of life in Southeast Asia: An expert panel opinion

Addressing maternal malnutrition and its drivers is paramount in Southeast Asia. This article summarizes the key clinical learnings and evidence-based opinions from the experts to understand the need for vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care from preconception to the first 1000 days of life, which warranted further attention since COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence describing the importance of vitamins and minerals during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages was identified using literature databases. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to determine the current practices and challenges in Southeast Asia. Based on the literature review and clinical experience, experts defined the topics, and an online meeting was held on 13th July 2021. During the meeting, nine experts from Southeast Asia provided evidence-based opinion on the vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care need during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages. The expert opinions underpin maternal malnutrition as a prevalent issue and discuss appropriate interventions and prevention strategies for women in Southeast Asia. The recent pandemic further impacted nutrition status, pregnancy, and neonatal health outcomes. The expert panel emphasized a need to improve existing inadequacies in education, self-care, and social support, and discussed the role of policymakers in addressing the barriers to dietary changes. As inadequacies in regular vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care for women of reproductive age implicate maternal and child health outcomes, there is an urgent need for addressing malnutrition concerns in this population. Thus, a strong partnership between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other relevant sectors is required.

Plasma and Urinary Amino Acid Profile in Children with Infantile Tremor Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Infantile Tremor Syndrome (ITS) is a disorder of infancy, and characterized by developmental delay and/or regression, pallor, skin hyperpigmentation and hypopigmented hair. It is commonly seen in infants in whom exclusive breastfeeding is given inappropriately for longer durations than recommended. ITS is predominantly reported from the Indian subcontinent and in children from a lower socioeconomic background. It is a clinical diagnosis and vitamin B12 deficiency is the most commonly accepted etiology of this entity.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of study were to compare the plasma and urine amino acid levels among children with ITS spectrum with those of healthy children. The secondary objectives were to compare the plasma and urine amino acid levels among children with ITS and Pre-ITS.

STUDY DESIGN

This cross-sectional, observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in North India.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 50 children aged < 36 months with ITS/Pre-ITS were enrolled. Children with Pre-ITS and ITS were compared with healthy age-matched study subjects.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine (78%) cases and twelve (24%) healthy children had low serum vitamin B12 levels. Folate levels were normal in all the controls, while only one case had folate deficiency. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the values of 32 amino acids in plasma. Among 44 urinary amino acids, levels of 30 amino acids were significantly different in the cases compared with the controls (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Several changes in amino acids in the children suffering from ITS were observed. These changes may be a reflection of the metabolic derangements in ITS.

Diaphragmatic palsy in a 10-month-old boy with infantile tremor syndrome causing respiratory failure with full response to vitamin B12 therapy

Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) owing to vitamin B₁₂ deficiency usually presents with tremors, anaemia, pigmentary skin changes, neuro-regression and hypotonia. A 10-month-old boy with ITS and respiratory failure owing to bilateral diaphragmatic palsy who responded to high parenteral doses of vitamin B₁₂ is presented. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of diaphragmatic palsy associated with ITS and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.

Trace Element Status in Children with Infantile Tremor Syndrome: An Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry Based Study

The primary objective of the study was to compare the trace element status in children with infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) with healthy controls. Blood counts, serum vitamin B12, plasma homocysteine, plasma ferritin and trace elements - magnesium, zinc and selenium were compared. Twenty-six children (11 with tremors, 14 boys, mean age 11.5 ± 3.5 mo) and 19 controls were enrolled for this study. Low vitamin B12 levels (67% vs. 5%) and elevated plasma homocysteine 96% vs. 26%) was significantly more (P < 0.001) in cases. Eight controls had hypoferritinemia, while none with ITS had it (p < 0.001). None of the children in either group had low serum levels of zinc or magnesium. Low levels of selenium were seen in six cases and five controls. This study did not show any association between the studied nutrients/ trace elements and ITS while, it showed a strong association of ITS with vitamin B12 deficiency supporting that it is a Neurocutaneous Infantile B-12 deficiency (NIB) syndrome.

Infantile Tremor Syndrome or a Neurocutaneous Infantile B12 Deficiency (NIB) Syndrome?

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively study the clinical and developmental profile; hematological profile and the B-12 status using multiple parameters in children with Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS).

METHODS

In this observational study (NCT02762682) (July 2015 through December 2016) children (and their mothers) with a clinical diagnosis of ITS were evaluated clinically; and development was assessed by CAPUTE scales. A complete blood count (CBC); peripheral blood smear examination; markers of vitamin B12 status (serum B12, homocysteine, folate); acylcarnitines [using Tandem mass spectrometry (TMS)] and urine methylmalonic acid (MMA) [Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS)] were estimated. A control group of children and their mothers were sampled for comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 286 individuals were enrolled for this study. One-hundred-ten children with ITS were screened and 92 (20 with tremors; age 12.7 ± 5 mo, 61 boys) children and their mothers were enrolled. Fifty-one children and their mothers were enrolled as controls. The median clinical linguistic & auditory milestone-developmental quotient (CLAM-DQ) was 32 (IQR 20.6-45.5) and median cognitive adaptive test-developmental quotient (CAT-DQ) was 36.2 (IQR 18.7-49.0). All babies except 9 (ovo-veg) had vegetarian mothers. Head circumference below 2 SD (WHO standards) was seen in 84% and below 3 SD in 58%. The CBC findings were; Hb- 8.3 ± 1.6 g/dl, Thrombocytopenia-29 (32%), mean corpuscular volume (MCV)- 92.2 ± 13.4, MCV- more than 95 fL-38(42%), Red cell distribution width (RDW)- 21.6 ± 6.5, and macrocytes on peripheral smear in 68%. In 89 (97%) out of 92 children had laboratory features of deficient B12 status. Two-thirds of the mothers also had evidence of B12 deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

ITS is, in all likelihood is a consequence of vitamin B12 defeciency. It has a significant impact on head growth and development of affected infants.

Dermatologic findings of vitamin B12 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.

Case Series of Infantile Tremor Syndrome in Tertiary Care Paediatric Centre from Southern India

INTRODUCTION

Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) is characterized by anaemia, skin depigmentation, tremors and developmental delay. The lack of sufficient literature on ITS and its conflicting association with vitamin B12 deficiency made us present this article.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to describe demographic, clinical and laboratory profile and outcome of ITS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of all children presenting with typical features of ITS attending a tertiary paediatric centre in southern India between January 2014 and January 2017. All children with pallor, skin depigmentation and developmental delay, with/without tremors, were included. Anaemia, developmental delay and tremors secondary to non-nutritional causes like metabolic causes were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 70 children, 66 were exclusively breastfed and 46 mothers were vegetarians. Mean age of presentation was 13.2 months. Developmental delay was noted in 64, regression in 6 and tremors in 40. Vitamin B12 levels were low in 62 cases.

CONCLUSION

ITS should be considered in children <3 years with anaemia, developmental delay/regression and skin depigmentation, with/without tremors. ITS can be seen in < 3 months of age and in high socio-economic status.

The effects of vitamin B12 supplementation in pregnancy and postpartum on growth and neurodevelopment in early childhood: Study Protocol for a Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin B₁₂ is crucial for normal cell division and differentiation, and necessary for the development and myelination of the central nervous system. Pregnant mothers in resource poor settings are at risk for poor vitamin B₁₂ status. Poor vitamin B₁₂ status in infancy is linked to poor growth and neurodevelopment. Brain development starts from conception, and pregnancy is a period of rapid growth and development for the brain.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study is an individually randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial in 800 pregnant Nepalese women randomised in a 1:1 ratio. A daily dose of 50 µg of vitamin B₁₂ or placebo is given to women from early pregnancy, not later than week 15, until 6 months after birth. Weekly visits are conducted in order to record compliance, growth and morbidity. The primary outcomes are scores on the cognitive, language and motor subscales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, measured at 6 and 12 months of age, and growth (length and weight) measured at 6 and 12 months of age.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

National Health and Research Council, Nepal (NHRC 253/2016) and Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics of Western Norway (2016/1620/REK vest) have approved the study. Investigators who have contributed to the conceptualising, conducting, as well as being involved in the data analyses and manuscript writing will be eligible for authorship and be responsible to share outcomes with different stakeholders through publications and workshops. The results from this study may support new dietary guidelines for Nepalese and possibly South Asian pregnant women that can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning in children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Universal Trial Number: U1111-1183-4093.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03071666. Protocol date: version 1.2, 1 June 2017.

Infantile Tremor Syndrome in Modern Times

Background

Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) is a clinical syndrome of acute or gradual onset of mental and psychomotor changes, pigmentary disturbances of hair and skin, pallor, and tremors in malnourished children aged between 5 months and 3 years. It is a well-known entity, but the exact etiopathogenesis is still not known.

Setting and Design

Prospective observational study carried out in the Department of Pediatrics at Dr RPGMC Tanda, Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.

Materials and Methods

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory profile of 25 children with the diagnosis of preinfantile and ITS was collected who were admitted from May 2014 to June 2015.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS 17 trial version.

Results

These children accounted for 0.5% of total pediatric admissions. Median, standard deviation age was 10, 3.1 months. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1. Cases were present throughout the year with two peaks observed in the months of May and November. This disease was found to be more common in higher birth order (68%). Complementary feeding, that too improper, was initiated in only 4 cases (16%). Ninety-six percent cases presented with comorbid illnesses. Respiratory tract infection was the most common association, followed by urinary tract infection. There was moderate anemia with dimorphic picture (40%). Thirteen (52%) had vitamin B12 levels below normal. Magnesium levels, though statistically insignificant (P = 0.8) were lower in patients with tremors.

Conclusion

This is a disease of multi-micronutrient deficiency, which can be present either alone or in association. Educating women about proper nutrition during pregnancy and timely administration of complementary feeding is of utmost importance.

Infantile tremor syndrome: A review and critical appraisal of its etiology

Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) is defined by the tetrad of pallor, developmental delay/regression, skin pigmentation, and brown scanty scalp hair. Involuntary movements in the form of tremors supervene in the natural course of the illness in a significant number of cases. The disorder occurs in exclusively breast-fed infants of vegetarian mothers belonging to economically deprived sections of society. Most of the children eventually recover but are frequently left with long-term cognitive and language neurodeficits. ITS continues to be seen in clinical practice, but there has been no consensus on its causation. Last comprehensive review was published in 1987 describing the ITS as a syndrome of unknown or multiple etiologies. Several important papers have been published since then. This review attempts to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the subject incorporating recently published studies. In the end, the issue of etiology is objectively re-examined in the light of available evidence some of which has been published in recent years.

Neurology of Nutritional Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Infants: Case Series From India and Literature Review

We studied 27 infants aged 6 to 27 months with vitamin B12 deficiency also known as "infantile tremor syndrome" in India. All were exclusively breast-fed by vegetarian mothers. Developmental delay or regression, pallor, skin hyperpigmentation, and sparse brown hair were present in all. Majority were hypotonic and involuntary movements were encountered in 18. Anemia and macrocytosis was found in 83% and 71% infants, respectively. Low serum vitamin B12 was present in 12 of 21 infants. Seven of the 9 infants with normal serum vitamin B12 had received vitamin B12 before referral. Twelve mothers had low serum vitamin B12. Cerebral atrophy was present in all the 9 infants who underwent neuroimaging. Treatment with vitamin B12 resulted in dramatic improvement in general activity and appetite within 48 to 72 hours followed by return of lost milestones. Tremors resolved in all by 3 to 4 weeks. Nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable cause of neurologic dysfunction in infants.

Acute movement disorders in children: experience from a developing country

We describe acute movement disorders in 92 children, aged 5 days to 15 years, from an Indian tertiary hospital. Eighty-nine children had hyperkinetic movement disorders, with myoclonus in 25, dystonia in 21, choreoathetosis in 19, tremors in 15, and tics in 2. Tetany and tetanus were seen in 5 and 2 children, respectively. Hypokinetic movement disorders included acute parkinsonism in 3 children. Noninflammatory and inflammatory etiology were present in 60 and 32 children, respectively. Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus in 16 and opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome in 7 accounted for the majority of myoclonus cases. Vitamin B12 deficiency in 13 infants was the most common cause of tremors. Rheumatic fever and encephalitis were the most common causes of acute choreoathetosis. Acute dystonia had metabolic etiology in 6 and encephalitis and drugs in 3 each. Psychogenic movement disorders were seen in 4 cases only, although these patients may be underreported.

Non-epileptic paroxysmal events mimicking seizures

The diagnosis of epilepsy rests on a detailed history and examination. The main focus of such a history is to exclude the possibility of non-epileptic paroxysmal events. An incorrect diagnosis of epilepsy can potentially lead to physical, psychological and financial harm to the child and the family. A wide range of non-epileptic paroxysmal events can occur in children. The differentiation of a seizure mimic from a seizure relies solely on a proper history and review of video recordings. Investigations rarely help in the diagnosis of these events. An early and timely diagnosis and proper parental counseling helps avoiding unnecessary investigations, treatment and allays parental anxiety. The article reviews the common non-epileptic paroxysmal events in children, emphasizing clinically relevant points.

Tremors and thrombocytosis during treatment of megaloblastic anaemia

In developing countries, a deficiency of cobalamine and folate contributes significantly to megaloblastic anaemia. Neurological observations in infants and young children with megaloblastic anaemia have included hypotonia, developmental regression, tremors and other abnormal movements. Following therapy with vitamin B12, coarse tremors occurred in six of 51 patients (12%) with megaloblastic anaemia. The tremors, which were noticed initially in the hands and feet, gradually became generalised and disappeared during sleep. They subsided within 5-11 days. Thirteen of 25 (52%) patients developed thrombocytosis between day 3 and week 5 of follow-up. In one child, the platelet count increased to >1300 x 10(9)/L. The importance of recognising these clinical findings during treatment of megaloblastic anaemia is emphasised.

Simple, Fast, and Simultaneous Detection of Plasma Total Homocysteine, Methylmalonic Acid, Methionine, and 2-Methylcitric Acid Using Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) plays an essential role both in the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA and in the synthesis of methionine (Met) from homocysteine (Hcy). Elevations of total homocysteine (tHcy), Met, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and 2-methylcitric acid (2MCA) are indicative of disorders in these related pathways, and can clinically present as methylmalonic acidemia, cobalamin defects or deficiency, propionic acidemia, homocystinuria, and hypermethioninemia. We have developed a fast, sensitive, and simple method for the simultaneous detection of plasma tHcy, MMA, Met, and 2MCA using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). All analytes were directly determined without the need of derivatization. Both positive and negative modes were used to achieve the best sensitivity and specificity. The two stereo isomers of 2MCA (2S, 3S) and (2R, 3S) were successfully separated and were designated as 2MCA1 and 2MCA2. The assays were linear up to a concentration of 800 μMol/l for tHcy, 2,000 μMol/l for Met, 80 μMol/l for MMA, 40 μMol/l for 2MCA1, and 40 μMol/l for 2MCA2 (80 μMol/l for total 2MCA), respectively. The recovery was between 84.42 % and 120.05 %. The intra-assay coefficient of variations (CVs) ranged from 2.1 % to 6.9 % (n = 20), and the inter-assay CVs ranged from 2.7 % to 11.6 % (n = 20). Reference intervals were established and verified (n = 125). A total of 15 patients with variable disorders in related pathway were successfully confirmed. The assay can be performed either in diagnostic laboratories or as second-tier, follow-up test in newborn screening laboratories.A fast, sensitive, and simple LC/MS/MS method was developed successfully for the simultaneous detection of plasma total homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, methionine, and 2-methylcitric acid for diagnosis of disorders in related pathways.

Rare association of central pontine myelinolysis with infantile tremor syndrome

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is an acute demyelination within the central basis pontis. Though exact mechanism is not known it is seen commonly with rapid correction of hyponatremia and also with pontine ischemia or infarction, demyelinating diseases, pontine neoplasm and different metabolic diseases. We report a rare association of CPM in a patient of Infantile Tremor Syndrom (ITS). ITS is a syndrome of tremor, mental and physical retardation, pigmentary changes of hair and skin and anemia in malnourished children. Though first reported in Indian subcontinent many identical cases were reported from around the world. Our case is a 15 month old child with generalized tremor, mild hepatosplenomegaly with features of grade II malnutrition including skin and hair changes. All the signs and symtoms of tremor improved after treatment with the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol for protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and administration of propranolol without any side effects.

Low maternal vitamin B12 status during pregnancy is associated with reduced heart rate variability indices in young children

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in neuronal development, particularly in myelinogenesis. Demyelination of the autonomic nervous system occurs early in vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the impact of maternal vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy on neuronal function in the offspring is poorly documented. The objective of this study was to assess cardiac autonomic nervous activity in children born to mothers with low vitamin B12 status during pregnancy using heart rate variability (HRV) indices in the frequency domain. Seventy-nine healthy children between 3 and 8 years of age were evaluated from an ongoing birth cohort. The blood sample of the mother had been stored and was analysed for plasma vitamin B12 following enrolment of the child. Subjects were divided, based on the median maternal first trimester vitamin B12 status (114 pmol L(-1)), into lower (n = 40) and higher (n = 39) vitamin B12 status groups. A lead II electrocardiogram was recorded in the supine posture and subjected to HRV analysis. Low-frequency HRV in absolute units was reduced significantly in children of the lower vitamin B12 status group (P = 0.03) and was 53% that of the higher vitamin B12 status group. There was a significant association between low-frequency and total power HRV with cord blood vitamin B12 levels (ρ = 0.31 and 0.30, both P = 0.03). In summary, children born to mothers with a lower vitamin B12 status have a reduced cardiac sympathetic activity. The long-term implication of this needs to be evaluated by follow-up studies.

Cobalamin status in children

Cobalamin and the metabolic markers methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine undergo marked changes during childhood. In breastfed infants a metabolic profile indicative of cobalamin deficiency is common. Symptoms of cobalamin deficiency in children differ with age, presenting a continuum from subtle developmental delay to life-threatening clinical conditions. The symptoms may be difficult to detect, particularly in infants, and there tends to be a diagnostic delay of several months in this age group. Several reports show that even moderate deficiency in children may be harmful, and long-term consequences of neurological deterioration may persist after cobalamin deficiency has been treated. Given the crucial role of cobalamin for normal growth and development, possible widespread infantile deficiency needs attention. Cobalamin deficiency should be considered a differential diagnosis in children with subtle symptoms, and strategies to prevent cobalamin deficiency in mothers and children should be addressed.

Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in a breast fed infant with pancytopenia

We report the case of a 7-month-old breast fed infant who presented with a nose bleed and bruises. Investigation showed severe nutritional B12 deficiency anemia with a pancytopenia. It is important to take the nutritional history of both the infant and the mother for early prevention and treatment.

Megaloblastic anemia: back in focus

Megaloblastic anemia (MA), in most instances in developing countries, results from deficiency of vitamin B(12) or folic acid. Over the last two to three decades, incidence of MA seems to be increasing. Of the two micronutrients, folic acid deficiency contributed to MA in a large majority of cases. Now deficiency of B(12) is far more common. In addition to anemia, occurrence of neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia is increasingly being reported. Among cases presenting with pancytopenia, MA stands out as an important (commonest cause in some series) cause. This article focuses on these and certain other aspects of MA. Possible causes of increasing incidence of MA are discussed. Observations on other clinical features like neurocognitive dysfunction, associated hyperhomocysteinemeia and occurrence of tremors and thrombocytosis during treatment are highlighted.

Vitamin requirements for term infants: considerations for infant formulae

OBJECTIVE

To provide the informed health professional with an up to date evaluation of the current thinking regarding requirements for vitamins in infant feeds. ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR ADEQUACY: Vitamin adequacy in the neonate is currently defined in terms of circulating levels of a vitamin or of the activity of a vitamin dependent enzyme in the erythrocytes. Although these measurements have their value there is a need to develop biochemical, physiological or clinical markers of well defined specific function. For some vitamins there is a risk of deleterious effects of very high intakes: risk of toxicity needs to be taken into consideration when making recommendations for inclusion in infant formulae. BREAST MILK AS THE 'GOLD STANDARD': Breast milk concentrations of vitamins have been used as the criteria of adequate intake by neonates. This may not always be justified. Greater consideration needs to be given to differences in bioavailability of vitamins from breast milk compared with formula feeds, of the influence of season, and of stage of lactation, on the stated composition.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

Animal studies have provided limited information regarding effects of different levels of intakes on current status indices in the neonatal period. There are few reports of randomized controlled studies into the effects of different levels of vitamins and these rely heavily on biochemical criteria of adequacy.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The inclusion of beta-carotene into formula feeds for premature babies is an issue of current interest. What is the justification for this? Are there potential benefits for the term infant? Riboflavin deficiency in the period around weaning may affect the normal structural and functional development of the gastrointestinal tract; some of these effects may be permanent. RESEARCH TO BE DONE: A greater understanding of the absorption and metabolism of vitamins during infancy is required in order to help establish dietary requirements. The relative bioavailability of vitamins in human milk and formulae needs to be investigated. Criteria for vitamin adequacy should be extended to include measures of function. Information regarding the conversion factor from tryptophan to niacin in infancy would allow us to set niacin requirements with greater confidence. There is a particular lack of information about concentrations of biotin and pantothenic acid in breast milk and the relative biochemical status of infants receiving breast milk and formulae. Benefits of including beta-carotene into infant formulae need to be evaluated. The role of individual micronutrients in the structural and functional development of the gastrointestinal tract should be explored.

Infantile encephalopathy due to vitamin deficiency in industrial countries

INTRODUCTION

Severe avitaminosis causing life-threatening conditions in the infantile age group is extremely uncommon and has been reported in babies with malabsorption receiving prolonged inadequate vitamin supplements.

CASE REPORTS

We report two infants who presented with neurological deterioration. Immediate work-up and treatment for infectious and inborn metabolic disorders were initiated and the diagnosis, made with a few days delay, was prolonged avitaminosis of thiamine (B1) and cobalamin (B12). B1 deficiency was suspected when further neurological deterioration was observed during administration of intravenous fluids containing glucose in an infant with high lactate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. High transketolase activity that normalized after thiamine treatment and the findings in the MRI and MRS of the brain confirmed the suspected diagnosis. B12 deficiency was suspected in an infant of a strict vegetarian mother who presented with neurological deterioration and severe megaloblastic anemia. The diagnosis was confirmed when low serum levels of B12 and methylmalonic aciduria were detected and treatment with B12 resulted in normalization of urinary methymalonic acid.

CONCLUSION

Avitaminosis, even in industrialized countries, should be considered in an atypical age group with no known risk factors. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment may accomplish a quick recovery with fewer sequelae.

Effects of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency on brain development in children

Folate deficiency in the periconceptional period contributes to neural tube defects; deficits in vitamin B12 (cobalamin) have negative consequences on the developing brain during infancy; and deficits of both vitamins are associated with a greater risk of depression during adulthood. This review examines two mechanisms linking folate and vitamin B12 deficiency to abnormal behavior and development in infants: disruptions to myelination and inflammatory processes. Future investigations should focus on the relationship between the timing of deficient and marginal vitamin B12 status and outcomes such as infant growth, cognition, social development, and depressive symptoms, along with prevention of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Common metabolic profile in infants indicating impaired cobalamin status responds to cobalamin supplementation

OBJECTIVE

A metabolic profile consistent with impaired cobalamin status is prevalent in breastfed infants. We investigated whether this profile reflects immature organ systems or impaired cobalamin status.

METHODS

In a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we studied 107 six-week-old infants. The infants were randomly assigned to receive either an intramuscular injection of 400 mug of cobalamin or no intervention. Concentrations of cobalamin and folate in serum and total homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, and cystathionine in plasma were determined at enrollment and at the age of 4 months.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the intervention group (n = 54) and the control group (n = 53) in the concentrations of any vitamin marker at baseline (6 weeks). At 4 months, the supplement-treated infants had a 75% higher median serum cobalamin level and remarkable reductions in median plasma total homocysteine (from 7.46 to 4.57 micromol/L) and methylmalonic acid (from 0.58 to 0.20 micromol/L) levels, whereas levels of both metabolites were essentially unchanged during the follow-up period in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cobalamin supplementation changed all markers of impaired cobalamin status (low cobalamin, high total homocysteine, and high methylmalonic acid levels) toward a profile observed in cobalamin-replete older children and adults. Therefore, the high total homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels reported for a large fraction of infants reflect not immature metabolism but rather insufficient cobalamin levels to fully sustain cobalamin-dependent reactions fully.

A High Prevalence of Biochemical Evidence of Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency does not Translate into a Comparable Prevalence of Anemia

Based on biochemical evidence, a high prevalence of biochemical evidence of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency has been reported in a number of areas in the world. The evidence that these biochemical abnormalities lead to a comparable prevalence of anemia is reviewed. The overall contribution of vitamin B12 deficiency to the global burden of anemia is probably not significant, except perhaps in women and their infants and children in vegetarian communities. In developed countries, folate-deficiency anemia is uncommon. In some developing countries, this anemia is still seen, but there are no comprehensive data on the relative prevalence compared with anemia due to malaria, iron-deficiency, hemoglobinopathy, and HIV disease. It seems unlikely that folate deficiency makes a major contribution to the burden of anemia in developing countries. Iron-deficiency anemia may coexist with vitamin B12 and especially folate deficiency, and may confound the hematological features of the vitamin deficiencies whose prevalence would then be underestimated. Supplementation of the diet of pregnant women with folic acid can virtually eliminate folate-deficiency anemia in these women. There are very few data on the hematological effect of vitamin B12 supplementation or fortification at the population level. The addition of vitamin B12 to the supplementation of the diet of pregnant women with iron and folic acid does not produce an increased hematological response, at least in nonvegetarian populations. There are numerous reports of the effect of folic acid fortification of food on tests of folate status, but only a single published report on the hematological response was found.

Infantile tremor syndrome in Iraqi Kurdistan

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare condition that occurred for the first time in Iraqi Kurdistan during the UN Sanctions on Iraq in the nireties. Literature review was made to fine possible causes.

METHODS

Patients were collected from various sources including private clinics, hospital outpatient clinics and the Centre for Handicapped Children in the city of Arbil. Clinical features and proper history were the main diagnostic tools. Different treatment regimes were used on those patients.

RESULTS

24 patients were collected; the majority was between 6-18 months. Males were more affected than females. Half of the patients were exclusively breast-fed and three quarter have received blood for anemia.

CONCLUSION

Infantile tremor syndrome is a rare condition which was described both in India and outside India as well. It was observed among children in Iraqi Kurdistan during the difficult economic situation under the UN Sanctions. The condition has the same features inside and outside India. The etiology is not very clear yet.

Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in diagnosis and risk assessment from infancy to adolescence

The concentration of total homocysteine (tHcy) in serum and plasma is elevated in both folate and cobalamin deficiencies, whereas methylmalonic acid (MMA) in serum, plasma, or urine is a specific marker of cobalamin function. The combined measurement of both metabolites is useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of these deficiency states. In addition, tHcy is elevated under various pathologic states (eg, renal failure), and hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The diagnostic utility of tHcy and MMA concentrations as markers of folate and cobalamin deficiencies in healthy and diseased children has been documented. This article briefly summarizes the biochemical background of tHcy and MMA and the associations of tHcy and MMA with various disease states and focuses on novel data obtained in infants, children, and adolescents, with emphasis on cobalamin status in infants. The utility of tHcy and MMA as indicators of cobalamin and folate deficiencies in adults can be extended to infants and older children. Furthermore, as in adults, tHcy is related to unhealthy lifestyle factors and is a risk factor for vascular disease. High MMA concentrations in newborns, occasionally denoted as benign methylmalonic aciduria, may reflect impaired cobalamin function.

Tremor in children

Tremor in childhood, beginning in the neonatal period, is more common than generally appreciated. Although some tremor disorders in children (eg, essential tremor) also affect adults, others (eg, shuddering, jitteriness, spasmus nutans, and vitamin B12-deficiency tremor) are seen exclusively in children. This review covers the etiology, clinical features, and treatment of the major tremor syndromes in children, and when appropriate, makes comparisons with similar disorders in adults.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and B-Vitamin Deficiencies in Infants and Children

Measurement of total homocysteine (tHcy) in healthy and diseased children has documented the utility of this marker in pediatric research and diagnostics. This article focuses on novel data obtained in infants, children and adolescents, with emphasis on cobalamin status in infants. In children, determinants of plasma tHcy are similar to those established in adults, and include age, gender, nutrition, B-vitamin status, and some drugs interfering with B-vitamin function. In infants (age < 1 year), tHcy is moderately elevated and related to serum cobalamin, whereas in older children and throughout childhood, plasma tHcy is low (about 60% of adult levels), and folate status becomes a strong tHcy determinant. As in adults, hyperhomocysteinemia in childhood is a risk factor for stroke, and folate-responsive hyperhomocysteinemia has been detected in children with renal failure. tHcy seems to be a sensitive indicator of folate deficiency in children on a poor diet, in HIV-infected children, and in children treated with anti-folate drugs. In children at increased risk of cobalamin deficiency, which includes children born to vegetarian mothers or children in developing countries on a poor diet, tHcy and methylmalonic acid are responsive indicators of a deficiency state. In newborns and infants born to mothers with an adequate nutrition, there are consistent observations of low cobalamin, elevated tHcy and methylmalonic acid, and reduction of both metabolites by cobalamin supplementation. These data have raised the question whether cobalamin deficiency may be widespread and undetected in babies born to non-vegetarian women on a Westernized diet.

Movement disorders in the tropics

The spectrum of movement disorders in the tropics is different from that seen in the industrialized nations of the west. This is not surprising given the unique combination of environmental and population characteristics in the tropics. Infections seldom encountered in the west such as tuberculous meningitis, typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, trypanosomiasis or cysticercosis are often seen in the tropics and with global patterns of travel and immigration these conditions are becoming more common worldwide. Movement disorders associated with these infections, HIV, slow virus and prion disease are discussed. Taking into account the diverse etiologies of movement disorders in the tropics, movement disorders with a nutritional basis such as the infantile tremor syndrome, seasonal ataxia and tropical ataxic neuropathy, and manganese neurotoxicity are also reviewed. Finally, certain special characteristics of ubiquitous disorders such as Parkinson's disease, and disorders with a genetic basis such as Wilson's disease and spinocerebellar degeneration are described.

Anemia

Anemia is an enormous problem worldwide that is worse in the developing countries but by no means lacking in developed countries. Women and children are disproportionately affected. Nutritional anemias, mainly caused by a lack of iron and folate, are largely correctable by dietary improvement, but this socioeconomic change may not be readily achieved. The inherited disorders, the hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias, in their heterozygous forms are beneficial to the affected populations. Prevention of the homozygous forms and the serious diseases that result can only be addressed by education. These conditions are seen in all types of medical practice ranging from neonatology to geriatrics and public health and are an ongoing concern to all physicians.

Vitamin B12 metabolism and status during pregnancy, lactation and infancy

This overview of vitamin B12 metabolism and requirements during the continuum of pregnancy and lactation has identified several gaps in our knowledge. More information is needed concerning the roles of the different transcobalamins during pregnancy and lactation, including their impact on placental and mammary transfer of cobalamin and their effect on intestinal absorption in the infant. Knowledge is needed about the relative importance of maternal stores and current dietary intake on fetal storage of the vitamin, and on its concentration in breast milk. Because there is some evidence that infant's urinary methylmalonic acid excretion is reduced by intakes slightly higher than the current RDA, the adequacy of the current RDA for vitamin B12 during infancy should be verified. Finally, it is possible that vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in pregnant and lactating women and their young children in developing countries than has been recognized previously, due primarily to malabsorption. It is important to confirm whether or not this is the case, in view of its potential impact on infant neurobehavioral development and the relative ease with which supplements of the vitamin could be provided.