CHRONIC INTOXICATION WITH “LAUGHING GAS” (NITROUS OXIDE) AS A CAUSE OF B12 DEFICIENCY MYELOPOLYNEUROPATHY IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The problem of using nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) is now important because young people often prefer this kind of entertainment. Regular short-term inhalation of nitrous oxide increases the risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, which is an essential cofactor of important metabolic processes. This article describes 2 clinical cases of neurological disorders in young adults who had used nitrous oxide. We demonstrate difficulties in the diagnosis, therapeutic tactics and prognosis.

Keywords

• nitrous oxide
• “laughing gas”
• myelopolyneuropathy
• funicular myelosis
• vitamin b12 methylmalonic acid