https://doi.org/10.15344/2455-2364/2018/137
Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin B12 (vitB12)deficiency causes failure of red blood cells (RBC) maturation leading to cell lysis causing excess heme production resulting in indirect hyperbilirubinemia.
Purpose: We aimed toassess vitB12 serum levels in neonates with jaundice and compare these levels with that of apparently healthy neonates and detect the impact of the maternal vitB12 on both vitB12 and bilirubin of their neonates.
Patients and methods: Complete blood count (CBC), C- reactive protein (CRP), and VitB12 were assessed in both groups; 60 full term neonates with jaundice (Group I) and 60 full term controls. VitB12 levels were assessed for the mothers of all included neonates.
Results: VitB12 in jaundice neonates were significantly lower than that of controls. Maternal vitB12 was positively correlated with neonatal vitB12 and negatively correlated with neonatal total serum bilirubin levels (TSB).
Conclusion: Low maternal vitB12 affects both vitB12 and bilirubin levels of their neonates.