Study to assess the etiology of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients of north Karnataka

 

 

Abstract              Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency related anemia is a common form of anemia noted in our patients. Due to rising clinical awareness, the deficiency is recognized with increasing frequency. B12 deficiency is also known to have varied clinical spectrum than previously recognized. Prognosis of B12 deficiency is variable and its outcome may vary from complete recovery to permanent neurological deficits. Aims and objectives: To assess the etiology of Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with B12 deficiency related anemia. Methods: 75 patients diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency were assessed to study the etiology. Data collected was analyzed and different levels of vitamin B12 and different age groups were correlated with sex, diet pattern, etiology, anti intrinsic factor antibody (AIFA) and levels of B12 deficiency. Results: Of the 75 patients analyzed, 44 (58.7%) were males and 31(41.3%) were females. The mean age was 35.8 yr with majority of patients (33.3%) in the age group 21-30 years. 57 (76%) patients were strict vegetarians while 18 (25 %) were on mixed diet. Patients presented with general weakness (66.7%), severe anorexia (60%), dyspnoea on exertion (40%), giddiness, tingling and numbness (33.3%), jaundice (20%), and ataxia (9.3%). Mean Hb was 6.14 g% (range 1.7-11.2g%) with MCV of 111.37fL (64.9-134fL). The mean serum vitamin B12 level was 125.94 pg/ml, range 30-120 pg/ml. Inadequate dietary intake (nutrition) was the most common etiology seen in 48 patients (64%), followed by alcohol in 14 (18.7%) and pernicious anemia in 9 (12%) patients. Conclusion: We observed that vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly seen in our region, which might be due to insufficient dietary intake of vitamin B12 and can be described as a treatable disease with good short and long term outcomes. Clinical signs and symptoms, etiology, in this study were similar to those of other studies.

Key Words: Vitamin B12 deficiency; Etiology; Pernicious anemia.