Abstract
Acute folate deficiency with pancytopenia and megaloblastic hæmopoiesis developed in four patients after abdominal operations; all four responded to folic acid over 3-9 days. Three of them had been given intravenous nutrition with aminoacid/ethanol before the blood changes developed. A prospective study of twenty-five surgical patients with gastrointestinal diseases revealed a high frequency of acutely developing negative folate balance. Megaloblastic hæmopoiesis and consequent blood changes were found in five patients. Treatment with intravenous nutrition correlated strongly with a fall in serum-folate and megaloblastic hæmopoiesis. Some surgical patients develop acute folate deficiency which may proceed to megaloblastic arrest of hæmopoiesis. Patients receiving intravenous nutrition containing ethanol are especially prone to this complication, which may be life-threatening if untreated. It is not yet known whether other forms of intravenous nutrition carry a similar risk.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
