Vitamin B12/ folate deficiency Flashcards
1
Q
Role of B12
A
RBC development and maintenance of the nervous system
Absorbed after binding to intrinsic factor and actively absorbed in the terminal ileum
2
Q
Causes of B12 deficiency
A
Pernicious anaemia (most common)
Post gastrectomy
Vegan diet or poor diet
Disorders/ surgery of terminal ileum
Metformin (rare)
3
Q
Features of B12 deficiency
A
Macrocytic anaemia
Sore tongue and mouth
Neurological symptoms (dorsal column affected first (join position, vibration) prior to distal paraesthesia
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (mood distrubances)
4
Q
Management of B12 deficiency
A
No neuro involvement- 1mg IM hydroxocobalamin 3x week for 2 weeks then once every 3 months
If also deficient in folic acid, treat B12 deficiency first (risk subacute combined degeneration of the cord)
