LOW SERUM B12 LEVELS AND LATENT ADDISONIAN ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY

Abstract
Summary: Investigation of B12 status during pregnancy in 518 women with anaemia or with a history of previous severe anaemia indicates that low serum B12 levels are not uncommon. In a number of cases with serum B12 levels below 50 pg. per ml., gastric parietal cell antibodies were detected. In two of these patients Schilling 57Co tests were positive. A diagnosis of latent Addisonian anaemia is made in these two women and the extent to which such a diagnosis must be considered in anaemic pregnant women is discussed.