Folate Deficiency and Fever: A Case Report
Author Information
Author(s): Singanayagam Aran, Gange Nisal, Singanayagam Anika, Jones Hywel
Primary Institution: John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Is pyrexia in this patient attributable to megaloblastic anaemia secondary to folate deficiency?
Conclusion
Megaloblastic anaemia is a rare but reversible cause of pyrexia that should be considered in patients with unexplained fever.
Supporting Evidence
- Folate deficiency is an uncommon cause of pyrexia.
- The patient had a severe megaloblastic picture consistent with folate deficiency.
- Pyrexia settled after vitamin supplementation without further antimicrobial therapy.
- Measurement of B12 and folate levels should be requested for pyrexial patients without an obvious cause.
Takeaway
Sometimes, not getting enough folate can make you sick and give you a fever, but taking the right vitamins can help you feel better.
Methodology
Case report detailing clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and treatment outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in reporting due to being a single case study.
Limitations
Single case report limits generalizability of findings.
Participant Demographics
29-year-old Caucasian male with a history of alcohol excess.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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