Objective: Syncope is a frequent reason for referral to pediatric cardiology clinics. Vitamin B12 deficiency is frequently diagnosed in pediatric patients. In this study, we determined the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in pediatric vasovagal syncope (VVS).

Methods: This study was designed retrospectively. VVS patients were identified from the hospital registry system with ICD code ‘R55, syncope, and fainting’. The frequency of VVS and vitamin B12 levels of the patients were evaluated. Below 200 ng/L was considered vitamin B12 deficiency.

Results: Eight hundred twelve patients were identified with ICD code R55, syncope, and fainting’ in pediatric cardiology hospital records. Two hundred sixteen patients were excluded from the study due to insufficient hospital records. Four hundred and sixty-nine patients were diagnosed with VVS. One hundred and seventy-three patients were excluded from the study because of non-available vitamin B12 level. Ninety-six patients had epileptic sezure/suspected VVS, 28 patients had psychogenic syncope and 3 patients had cardiac syncope. Demographic characteristics, hemoglobin and vitamin B12 levels, and the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency were similar in the patient and control groups (p>0.05). Two hundred and sixty-four patients had normal vitamin B12 level, whereas 32 patients were diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency. Fifty-six patients who had normal vitamin B12 levels experienced frequent VVS and 6 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency experienced frequent VVS (21.2% vs 23.0%, p>0.05).

Conclusion: Although VVS can cause serious concern in patients and families, it is unlikely to be a serious underlying disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency was not found at a high rate in this disease as in other studies.

Keywords: Vasovagal syncope, transient loss of consciousness, vitamin B12 deficiency