Vitamin B12 deficiency, its prevalence and haematological manifestations - A study in a tertiary care hospital

Aim: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in subjects with anaemia and elevated mean corpuscular volume. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 119 subjects were selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria laid down. Blood samples were analysed on sysmex KX 21 haematology analyser. Morphological evaluation of blood cells was done on peripheral blood smear. Serum vitamin B 12 assays were done. Qualitative and quantitative variables were analysed by statistical methods. Results: Out of 119 subjects taken for study 70 (58.8 %) were male and 49 (41.2 %) were female with mean age ± SD 40.5± 18. Vitamin B 12 deficiency was noted in 82 (69 %) of which 12 (10.1%) were in Borderline levels of deficiency, 31 (26.1%) were in deficient levels and 39 (32.8%) were in severely deficient group. Red blood cell indices were categorized as per different groups of vitamin B 12 levels. Pancytopenia was noted in 67.1% (54) of B 12 deficient individuals. Significant negative correlation was found between vitamin B 12 levels and mean corpuscular volume (r = - 0.215 .p = 0.019). A positive correlation was found between vitamin B12 and platelet count. (p= < 0.001) and also with leukocyte counts (p value < 0.001) These correlations were found to be statistically significant. Peripheral blood film examination shows macrocytosis in 76 (64%) smears and hypersegmented neutrophils in 66 (56%) smears.