Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord in a Nigerian child: a need for a high index of suspicion

Authors

  • Oyinlade OA Department of Paediatrics,
  • Lagunju IA Department of Paediatrics
  • Balogun TAB Department of Paediatrics
  • Famosaya AA Department of Paediatrics,

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported to be associated with a spectrum of neurological disorders among which is subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Method: We report a case of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency and discussed the clinical presentation and management challenge.

Result: The diagnosis was made through a high index of suspicion when the clinical presentation ranked highly with the mode of presentation of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Patient responded well to parentheral vitamin B12 preparation but subsequently defaulted from follow up for 8 years after which he represented with paraparesis and urinary incontinence. He was managed gain with parentheral vitamin B12 preparations with good outcome and total resolution of symptoms at discharge.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is needed in identifying vitamin B12 deficiency related paraparesis in paediatric practice while the need for indefinite treatment and follow up is hereby emphasized.

Keywords: Vitamin B12 deficiency; myelinopathy; paraparesis; subacute combined degenera- 

Author Biographies

  • Oyinlade OA, Department of Paediatrics,




    College of Medicine, University of
    Ibadan / University College Hospital,
    Ibadan, Nigeria.

  • Lagunju IA, Department of Paediatrics



    Department of Paediatrics,
    College of Medicine, University of
    Ibadan / University College Hospital,
    Ibadan, Nigeria.

  • Balogun TAB, Department of Paediatrics

    University College Hospital, Ibadan
    Nigeria

  • Famosaya AA, Department of Paediatrics,



    University College Hospital, Ibadan
    Nigeria

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Published

2024-07-02

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 1 (2016): Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics

Section

CASE REPORTS

License

This is an open-access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, transform, and build upon the work even, commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given to the author, and the new creations are licensed under identical terms

How to Cite

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord in a Nigerian child: a need for a high index of suspicion. (2024). NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS, 43(1), 58-61. https://www.njpaediatrics.com/index.php/njp/article/view/230