A neonate born to a malnourished mother may have vitamin B12 deficiency at birth.
Clinical features of congienital vitamin B12 deficiency:
(1) history of maternal malnutrition, often unrecognized
(2) impaired neurodevelopment
(3) neurological delay during infancy
(4) hypotonia
(5) chronic disease throughout life
Screening newborns for methylmalonic aciduria can help to detect the condition.
Detection in the infant can result in the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency in the mother. Maternal replacement can prevent future siblings from being similarly affected.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
