Cytogenetic observations in vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.

Writ/i the technical assistance of Miss Lila Fliegelnian O CCASIONAL REPORTS have presemited cytogenetic data from cases of megaloblastic anemia.ii,uul Although no consistemit cytogenetic abnormalities have yet beeii found, a variety of changes have been described in some cases of pernicious anemia.m’ ’m” The significance of these findings is not clear. This report describes cytogenetic observations in direct marrow preparations from 14 patients with vitamimi B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or both. Several of these patients showed evidence of increased chromosome breakage as well as other alterations in chromosome structure. In no case were abnormalities found after vitamin replacement.