Objectives Ineffective erythropoiesis resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency leads to hemolysis. The breakdown of erythrocytes increases plasma bilirubin levels, which can cause jaundice in newborns. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital. In total, 103 infants with prolonged neonatal jaundice due to vitamin B12 deficiency, defined as a serum level below 250 ng/L, were included. Participants were divided into two groups based on treatment type: sublingual methylcobalamin (Group 1, n = 72) and intramuscular cyanocobalamin (Group 2, n = 31). Results The mean gestational ages were 38.36 ± 1.4 weeks in Group 1 and 38.87 ± 0.81 weeks in Group 2. The mean ages at diagnosis were 35.74 ± 13.17 days and 35.9 ± 11.73 days, respectively. The female-to-male ratios were 30:42 in Group 1 and 16:15 in Group 2. Mean serum vitamin B12 levels in Group 1 were 138.82 ± 50.09 ng/L before treatment, 656.86 ± 333.16 ng/L at 1.5 months, and 394.08 ± 169.94 ng/L at 3 months following sublingual methylcobalamin therapy. In Group 2, the mean levels were 165.71 ± 56.07 ng/L before treatment, 502.9 ± 196.07 ng/L at 1.5 months, and 345.77 ± 115.42 ng/L at 3 months after intramuscular cyanocobalamin administration. Conclusion Vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with prolonged jaundice in neonates. Early diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency enables timely initiation of sublingual methylcobalamin, a non-invasive and effective treatment option.
Aydin et al. (2026) studied this question.