Clinical Determinants and Neurological Manifestation Among Adult Patients with Vitamin B Deficiency

Abstract

Objective:  To assess the factors and neurological manifestations in adult patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Materials & Methods:  A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Neurology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) for the period of Six months after the approval of the study from March 7, 2023, to September 6, 2023. The sample size was calculated using the WHO sample calculator, a total of 253 patients were enrolled. The data was obtained from patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, and complete history and investigations were done on all the included patients. 

Results:  The study included 253 patients with a mean age of 46.9±11.5 years, of which 68% were male and 32% were female. Various neurological manifestations were observed among patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. The most common symptom was nerve numbness, affecting 65.2% of patients, followed by motor weakness in 24.1%. Non-traumatic compressive myopathy was found in 20.5% of patients. Other symptoms included ataxia (18.2%), impaired position sensation (14.2%), impaired vibration sensation (11.1%), and optic atrophy (3.9%). Signs of dementia were noted in 4.7% of cases. These findings highlight the diverse range of neurological symptoms linked to vitamin B12 deficiency and their varying prevalence.

Conclusion:  It is to be concluded that a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting its potential impact on neurological health. Nerve numbness stands out as the most prevalent symptom, affecting a significant majority of patients, followed by motor weakness and non-traumatic compressive myelopathy.