Original article: Comparison Of Vitamin B12 Levels In Gastritis With And Without H.Pylori

Abstract: Background: H. pylori infection is widespread in developing nations, prevalence is more than 80% among middle-aged adults.It may play an important role in impairment of vitamin B12 absorption.Itis almost invariably associated with the presence of gastritis in India. The classical sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is megaloblastic anemia which, occurs in only 50 % of vitamin B12-deficient subjects. Other signs are psychiatric and neurodegenerative changes. Aim: To study the status of vitamin B12 in gastritis with and without H.pylori. Methods and Material : Prospective study carried out at tertiary care hospital in Mumbai between June to December 2013 Ninety gastritis suspected patients who underwent gastroscopy were enrolled. Rapid urease test was used to diagnose H.pyloriinfection.Chemiluminescent immunoassay based Immulite 1000 analyzer was used for analysis of vitamin B12. Statistical analysis used: The mean serum levels of vitamin B12 in H.pylori-positive and H.pylori-negative gastritis groups of patients were compared by independent sample ?t? test.Results: Serum vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in patients with H.pylori positive gastritis than in those with H.pylori negative gastritis ( 261.2 ±89.2 ; 382.7 ± 164.9respectively, p = 0.0001 ) Discussion: The study shows serum vitamin B12 levels to be lower in H.pyloripositive as compared to H.pylori negative gastritis.