CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND OUTCOMES OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To examine the clinical manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency and assess their impact on patient health, focusing on the variety of symptoms and outcomes associated with this condition. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from three healthcare institutions covering the period from January 2019 to December 2023. Inclusion criteria were: (1) diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency with serum levels below 200 pg/mL; (2) availability of comprehensive clinical data; and (3) age 18 years or older. Exclusion criteria included incomplete records, secondary causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, age <18 years, and pre-existing vitamin B12 supplementation. Data on patient demographics, clinical symptoms, treatment regimens, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: The study included 200 patients with a mean age of 64.3 years. Clinical manifestations were categorized into hematological (60%), neurological (42.5%), gastrointestinal (35%), and psychiatric (27.5%). Neurological symptoms included peripheral neuropathy (58.8%) and cognitive impairment (23.5%). Treatment led to improvement in 70-80% of patients across most symptom categories, though some patients experienced persistent symptoms.

Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency presents with a range of clinical manifestations that impact multiple organ systems. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for mitigating severe symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Despite treatment, some patients may require ongoing management due to persistent symptoms. This study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse effects of vitamin B12 deficiency to enhance patient care.

Keywords: Vitamin B12 deficiency, clinical manifestations, hematological symptoms, neurological symptoms, treatment outcomes.