Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract

Background: There is controversial data regarding prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in hypothyroid patients. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in hypothyroid patients. Study design: Cross sectional Survey. Setting: The study was conducted at Medicine / Endocrinology department Services Hospital Lahore. Period: Study was completed in six months from 26^th February to 25^th August 2015. Methodology: 225 hypothyroid patients from IPD & OPD with age range of 30-70 years of either sex willing to participate in study were included in study. Estimation of serum vitamin B12 was carried out. Cutoff value for vitamin B12 was taken <148 pmol/L. Results: 225 patients were included in our sampled population with mean age 47.15 ± 7.210 ranging from 40 to 66 years of age. 103 patients (45.8%) were female and rest of 122 (54.2%) were males. In our study 54 patients (24%) had Vitamin B12 Deficiency and rest of 171 (76%) showed negative results. Female gender, malnutrition, lower BMI and socioeconomic status were risk factors linked with vitamin B12 deficiency. While age was not among the risk factors. Conclusion: It is concluded that prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is high 24% in Pakistani patients with hypothyroidism. Female patients with malnutrition and lower BMI should be screened periodically to reduce the complications associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.