Abstract:

Objective: Breath holding spells are a benign, non-paroxysmal disorder observed in childhood. The pathogenesis of breath holding spells is still unclear. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, iron deficiency, genetic predisposition, interleukin 1, nitric oxide and cerebral erythropoietin have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to compare vitamin B12 and folic acid levels between patients diagnosed with breath holding spells and a healthy group. Material and Methods: Fifty-one cases diagnosed with breath holding spells in the pediatric neurology clinic were included in the study group (Group 1), and 78 healthy patients presenting to the general clinic in the control group (Group 2). Hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean erythrocyte volume, vitamin B12, folic acid, ferritin, iron, and iron binding capacity levels were compared between the study and the control groups. Results: Mean folate levels were 18.92±12.83 (5.27-91) ng/mL in the study group and 9.95±8.92 (2-37) ng/mL in the control group. Mean B12 levels were 274.13±214.37 (75-1201) pg/mL in the study group and 408.82±194.18 (120-959) pg/mL in the control group. Statistically significant differences in both vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were observed between the groups (p=0.000 and p=0.002, respectively). No significant difference was determined between the attack groups’ (<15/month, >15/month) vitamin B12 (p=0.570) or folic acid (p=0.643) levels. Conclusion: Based on this study, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels should be routinely evaluated in patients diagnosed with breath holding spells.

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