Hemolysis and Hyperhomocysteinemia from Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Three Case Reports
Author Information
Author(s): Utkarsh Acharya, Gau Jen-Tzer, William Horvath, Paolo Ventura, Chung-Tsen Hsueh, Wayne Carlsen
Primary Institution: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hypothesis
Hemolytic anemia may be more prevalent in patients who have a coexisting MTHFR gene mutation and vitamin B12 deficiency possibly related to severely elevated homocysteine levels.
Conclusion
The hemolysis in these cases resolved completely after vitamin B12 treatment, indicating a strong link between vitamin B12 deficiency, MTHFR mutations, and elevated homocysteine levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with MTHFR mutations and vitamin B12 deficiency presented with hemolytic anemia and elevated homocysteine levels.
- Complete resolution of hemolysis occurred after vitamin B12 treatments.
- High homocysteine levels may contribute to hemolysis in vitamin B12 deficiency.
Takeaway
Some people can get very sick from not having enough vitamin B12, which can cause their blood cells to break down. In this study, three patients got better after getting vitamin B12 shots.
Methodology
Case report and literature review.
Limitations
Follow-up homocysteine levels were not measured in one case, and consent could not be obtained for one patient.
Participant Demographics
Three patients with varying ages and backgrounds, including two males and one female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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