[Oral vitamin B12: Efficacy and safety data in 31 patients with pernicious anemia and food-cobalamin malabsorption]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to validate the efficacy and safety of oral cobalamin therapy in the treatment of cobalamin deficiency related to various causes.

Patient and method: It's a retrospective study, including 31 patients with documented cobalamin deficiency related to food-cobalamin malabsorption (n=20) and pernicious anemia (n=11). These patients were treated at least for 3 months with oral cyanocobalamin, between 125 to 1000microg per day. Serum cobalamin levels and hematological parameters were compared before and after the therapy and in relation with the nature of cobalamin deficiency. Safety data were also recorded.

Results: After 3 months of therapy, the serum cobalamin levels have significantly increased in all the patients, with a mean of +161.6±79.3pg/mL in the food-cobalamin malabsorption group (P<0,00005) and +136.7±67.4pg/mL in the pernicious anemia group (P<0,0001). Hematological parameters have been normalized in 90 % of the patients, independently of the cause of the cobalamin deficiency. Only 1 patient presented an urticarial reaction.

Conclusion: This study confirms the efficacy and safety of oral cobalamin therapy in food-cobalamin malabsorption and also in case of pernicious anemia.