Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Dementia

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulisses Gabriel de Vasconcelos Cunha ◽  
Fábio Lopes Rocha ◽  
Josecy Maria de Souza Peixoto ◽  
Maria Flávia de Morão Motta ◽  
Maira Tonidandel Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Progressive Decline ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
History Of ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
State Examination

We set out to investigate the possible beneficial effects on cognitive function of demented patients with cobalamin deficiency after cobalamin replacement. A total of 181 consecutive, demented (DSM-III or DSM-III-R criteria and score below 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] outpatients (mean age 77.5 years) were prospectively evaluated and had their vitamin B12 level measured by radioimmunoassay. The frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency (less than 200 pg/mL) was 25% (46 patients). Treatment outcome was obtained in 19 patients (19 of 46). Despite cobalamin replacement, 16 of 19 patients persisted in showing progressive decline during follow-up visits (3 to 24 months). The nonresponse to vitamin B12 replacement in most cases seems to reflect the presence of associated irreversible dementia or a follow-up of shorter duration in a few patients. All of the patients who showed some improvement (MMSE returned to normal values) had mild dementia with a history of less than 2 years. Thus, screening for B12 deficiency should be considered in patients with recent onset of mild mental status changes.

scholarly journals Homocystinuria masquerading as vitamin B12 deficiency

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 326-328
Author(s):  
M Wadhwani ◽  
S Beri ◽  
A Saili ◽  
S Garg
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Megaloblastic Anemia ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Ophthalmological Examination ◽  
Ophthalmic Manifestations ◽  
History Of ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B 12

Background: Homocystinuria is a rare metabolic disorder charcterised by excess homocysteine in the urine. Vitamin B12 deficiency has diverse cutaneous, nervous and ophthalmic manifestations. Objective: To report a case of homocystinuria masquerading as vitamin B 12 deficiency. Case: We hereby are presenting an interesting case of a 4 year old boy who was being treated for Vitamin B 12 deficiency on the basis of history of delayed milestone, abdominal pain and hyperpigmentation of skin which was diagnosed as homocystinuria. Conclusion: It is important to carry out ophthalmological examination in every case of megaloblastic anemia if associated with blurring of vision and mental retardation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6554 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (8): 326-328

Ischemic strokes secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency-induced hyperhomocystinemia

Neurology ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 622-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
LaRoy P. Penix
Keyword(s):  
Mean Corpuscular Volume ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Loading Test ◽  
Schilling Test ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Recurrent Strokes ◽  
Methionine Loading Test

A 45-year-old woman sustained two ischemic cerebral infarctions 16 years after ileal resection for Crohn's disease. Her evaluation showed an elevated random serum homocystine level, a low serum vitamin B12 level, and an increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) without anemia. A methionine-loading test resulted in a marked increase in the homocystine levels 2, 4, and 6 hours after the load. A Schilling test demonstrated a malabsorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 injections normalized her fasting homocystine level and her MCV. She has had no recurrent strokes during a year follow-up.

scholarly journals High frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in a Brazilian population

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1191-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Xavier ◽  
FF Costa ◽  
JM Annichino-Bizzacchi ◽  
STO Saad
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Mean Cell Volume ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Brazilian Populations

AbstractObjectiveThere are few studies regarding vitamin B12 deficiency in developing countries. In Brazil, a late diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency progressing to severe neurological damage is common. Thus, the aim of the present study was to verify the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in two Brazilian populations (elderly and adult participants) and to compare different methods of vitamin B12 deficiency detection.DesignFive hundred participants were recruited from health centres from south-east Brazil and were separated into two groups: 60 years old or more and 30–59 years old. Vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECI) and RIA. Methylmalonic acid (MMA) was measured by LC coupled to tandem MS. Full blood counts were acquired using standard methods.ResultsAll participants had normal blood count results and mean cell volume less than 99 fl; none of them presented folate deficiency according to the results, which were all greater than 3 ng/ml. Cobalamin levels less than 200 pmol/l were identified by one of the two or by both methods in 7·2 % of the participants aged 60 years or more and 6·4 % of the participants aged 30–59 years. MMA levels were higher in older subjects (P = 0·007) compared with younger subjects. A greater correlation of MMA v. RIA was observed than of MMA v. ECI (P = 0·0017 v. P = 0·014). MMA quantification estimated that cobalamin deficiency was present in more than 11 % of the subjects for both studied groups.ConclusionsThe study shows that vitamin B12 deficiency is frequent in Brazilian adults and suggests that RIA is more sensitive than ECl for measuring cobalamin levels.

scholarly journals How I treat cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 2214-2221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Carmel
Keyword(s):  
Key Management ◽  
Intrinsic Factor ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Management Principle ◽  
Underlying Disorder ◽  
Cobalamin Absorption

Abstract The challenges in medical management of cobalamin deficiency lie in attention to the unique pathophysiology that underlies cobalamin deficiency, more than in the mechanics of therapy. The central physiologic principles are that clinically important deficiency is more likely to occur (and progress) when intrinsic factor–driven absorption fails than when diet is poor and that most causes take years to produce clinically obvious deficiency. Transient defects have little clinical impact. The key management principle is the importance of follow-up, which also requires knowing how the deficiency arose. The virtues of these principles are not always fully appreciated. Recent developments have made diagnosis and management more difficult by diminishing the ability to determine cobalamin absorption status. Clinicians must also grapple with premature medicalization of isolated, mild biochemical changes that added many asymptomatic cases of still undetermined medical relevance to their caseload, often expanded by inflated cobalamin level criteria. The potential for misattribution of cobalamin-unrelated presentations to nongermane cobalamin and metabolite abnormalities has grown. Pathophysiologically based management requires systematic attention to each of its individual components: correctly diagnosing cobalamin deficiency, reversing it, defining its underlying cause, preventing relapse, managing the underlying disorder and its complications, and educating the patient.

Important reminder: nitrous oxide (N2O) as a cause of functional vitamin B12 deficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. e241414
Author(s):  
Abdullahi Elsheikh Mahgoub ◽  
Smit Sunil Deliwala ◽  
Ghassan Bachuwa
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Serum Markers ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Sensory Level ◽  
Significant Other ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
B12 Deficiency

A 32-year-old woman who misused multiple substances, including nitrous oxide (N2O), sought medical advice after she subacutely developed bilateral lower extremity weakness without a sensory level but with ataxia—her significant other developed similar symptoms with vitamin B12 deficiency due to N2O intake. Laboratory results revealed macrocytic anaemia despite normal B12 and folate levels, with serum markers pointing towards functional cobalamin deficiency. Spinal MRIs and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were unremarkable. Our patient was treated with vitamin B12 supplementation with an encouraging response.

scholarly journals Assessment of vitamin B12 deficiency and B12 screening trends for patients on metformin: a retrospective cohort case review

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjnph-2020-000193
Author(s):  
Darby Martin ◽  
Jeet Thaker ◽  
Maria Shreve ◽  
Lois Lamerato ◽  
Kartazyna Budzynska
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Case Review ◽  
Large Hospital ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
B12 Deficiency

ObjectivesOur study investigated the use of vitamin B12 testing in a large cohort of patients on metformin and assesses appropriateness and benefits of screening recommendations for vitamin B12 deficiency.DesignThis retrospective cohort study included insured adult patients who had more than 1 year of metformin use between 1 January 2010 and 1 October 2016 and who filled at least two consecutive prescriptions of metformin to establish compliance. The comparison group was not exposed to metformin. Primary outcome was incidence of B12 deficiency diagnosed in patients on metformin. Secondary outcome was occurrence of B12 testing in the patient population on metformin. Records dated through 31 December 2018 were analysed.SettingLarge hospital system consisting of inpatient and outpatient data base.ParticipantsA diverse, adult, insured population of patients who had more than 1 year of metformin use between 1 January 2010 and 1 October 2016 and who filled at least two consecutive prescriptions of metformin.ResultsOf 13 489 patients on metformin, 6051 (44.9%) were tested for vitamin B12 deficiency, of which 202 (3.3%) tested positive (vs 2.2% of comparisons). Average time to test was 990 days. Average time to test positive for deficiency was 1926 days. Factors associated with testing were linked to sex (female, 47.8%), older age (62.79% in patients over 80 years old), race (48.98% white) and causes of malabsorption (7.11%). Multivariable logistic regression showed older age as the only factor associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas African-American ethnicity approached significance as a protective factor.ConclusionsBased on our study’s findings of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients on metformin who are greater than 65 years old and have been using it for over 5 years, we recommend that physicians consider screening in these populations.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is the dominant nutritional cause of hyperhomocysteinemia in a folic acid-fortified population

2005 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Green ◽  
Joshua W. Miller
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Total Vitamin ◽  
Folic Acid Fortification ◽  
B12 Deficiency

AbstractPrevalence rates for folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia have been markedly reduced following the introduction of folic acid fortification in the United States. We report the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a population of community-dwelling elderly Latinos in the post-folic acid fortification era. We measured homocysteine, total vitamin B

Ileocaecal tuberculosis: an under-recognised cause of vitamin B12 deficiency

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-144
Author(s):  
Ashok Kumar Pannu ◽  
Dinesh Raja Palanisamy
Keyword(s):  
Terminal Ileum ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Abdominal Tuberculosis ◽  
Megaloblastic Anaemia ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Lower Quadrant ◽  
Abdominal Tenderness ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Clinical Triad ◽  
Right Lower Quadrant

A combination of anaemia and knuckle pigmentation should always raise concern for megaloblastic anaemia. As the terminal ileum is the site of vitamin B12 absorption and also the commonest site of abdominal tuberculosis, a clinical triad of prolonged fever, knuckle pigmentation and right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness should suggest ileocaecal tuberculosis in endemic areas.

scholarly journals The Level of Serum Pepsinogen in Diagnosing and Evaluating the Severity of Subacute Combined Degeneration Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Chen ◽  
Rong Wang ◽  
Xusheng Huang ◽  
Fei Yang ◽  
Shengyuan Yu
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Neurological Complication ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Serum Pepsinogen ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
Subacute Combined Degeneration ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurological complication of cobalamin deficiency, which is usually caused by chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis. Serum pepsinogen 1 and the ratio of pepsinogen 1/pepsinogen 2 (PG1/2) can reflect the severity of gastric atrophy.Objective: This work aims to investigate whether decreased serum PG1 and PG1/2 ratio are helpful in diagnosing SCD and reflecting the severity of SCD.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and laboratory tests of 65 cases of SCD due to vitamin B12 deficiency and compared the laboratory parameters of SCD with 65 age- and sex-matched amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.Results: PG1 and PG1/2 ratio were decreased in 80 and 52.3% of SCD patients, respectively. Compared to patients with PG1/2 ratio ≥3.0, patients with PG1/2 ratio <3.0 had more severe anemia, larger mean corpuscular volume (MCV), lower level of vitamin B12, higher folate and homocysteine (Hcy), more severe changes in somatosensory evoked potential (SEP), and higher rate of lesions in spinal MRI (P < 0.05). PG1 and PG1/2 ratio had inverse correlation with MCV and N20 latency in SEP examination (P < 0.05). PG1/2 ratio, RBC count, and Hcy were independent risk factors for SCD in logistic regression analyses. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the diagnostic accuracy of PG1 and PG1/2 ratio was 72.2 and 73.0%, respectively, while the cutoff values were 22.4 ng/ml and 2.43 for SCD, respectively.Conclusions: Decreased PG1 and PG1/2 ratio are helpful for the diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of SCD due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

scholarly journals Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency detection by urinary methylmalonic acid quantitation

Blood ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1128-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
EJ Norman ◽  
OJ Martelo ◽  
MD Denton
Keyword(s):  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Megaloblastic Anemia ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Neurologic Disorders ◽  
Schilling Test ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
And Function

Abstract A study was made to assess the value of cobalamin deficiency detection through quantitation of urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA). Urinary MMA was measured in 1118 patients suffering from megaloblastic anemia, other anemias, elevated red cell mean corpuscular volume, or unexplained neurologic disorders. Patients without proven cobalamin deficiency had urinary MMA levels less than 20 micrograms/ml. All patients (n = 27) confirmed to have cobalamin deficiency showed MMA levels greater than 20 micrograms/ml. Data are presented showing the Schilling test results, the comparison of serum cobalamin to urinary MMA levels, and other basic hematologic data. MMA levels are a good indication of cobalamin distribution and function since they are directly related to a cobalamin-dependent metabolic pathway. With rapid, reliable quantitation by mass spectrometry, urinary MMA can now be a useful clinical test.

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