Megaloblastic Anemia in Pregnancy. Remission Following Combined Therapy with Ascorbic Acid and Vitamin B 12 . ∗

Abstract

Summary

Five cases of megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy are reported. The relation of this anemia to a deficiency in ascorbic acid is suggested by the effectiveness of combined ascorbic acid and vit. B₁₂ therapy where vit. B₁₂ alone was ineffective. Two patients were refractory to adequate trial with vit. B₁₂. One of these patients later had a complete remission when ascorbic acid was added to the therapy. The other responded adequately to folic acid therapy and blood transfusions. Two patients were treated for short periods of time with ascorbic acid alone. A minimal response in reticulocytes was observed in one. Subsequent addition of vit. B₁₂ to the therapy after saturation with ascorbic acid produced a complete hematologic remission. One patient had a spontaneous remission after delivery. In 3 patients combined therapy with ascorbic acid and vit. B₁₂ produced a complete remission.