A Warning Regarding the Use of Folic Acid

AN alarming incidence has been reported of neurologic relapse or progression of pre-existing neurologic lesions in cases of pernicious anemia treated with folic acid, the term being used to indicate synthetic pteroylglutamic acid. Sargent's review, presented elsewhere in this issue of the Journal, places the incidence of such neurologic lesions at about 20 per cent during a period of one year or less of therapy. More recent studies show an even higher rate. Ross1 observed an incidence of over 50 per cent in 21 cases. In Wagley's2 series of 10 cases, 8 developed neurologic lesions or progression of pre-existing . . .