Low serum vitamin B(12) (V B(12)) and hyperhomocysteinemia have been reported in asymptomatic Asian Indian men. We studied the prevalence of V B(12) deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia in 51 asymptomatic toddlers, from Pune, India. V B(12) levels were low and total serum homocysteine was high in 14% and homocysteine levels were significantly higher in boys. Programming for cardiovascular risk in adulthood possibly starts at a very young age through the homocysteine axis.

The prevalence of anemia decreased from 66 to 30% after treatment with liquid iron. We propose that all concerned in the care of toddlers should join the fight against anemia and prescribe iron to all toddlers when they are seen for minor ailments.

No abstract

Nocardiosis is an uncommon Gram-Positive bacterial infection caused by aerobic Actinomycetes of the genus Nocardia. It can be local-ized or systemic and is regarded as an opportunistic infection that is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of disseminated Nocardiosis in a patient on immunosuppressant therapy in whom the clinical presentation was highly suggestive of a meta-static disease.