Effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency on hematological parameters

Abstract

Aims: Vitamin B12 deficiency causes an increase in homocysteine levels which is associated with inflammatory conditions. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) are also associated with inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to compare hematological parameters in patients with and without vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods: Patients who underwent vitamin B12 assessment grouped based on the serum level of vitamin B12. We grouped 121 patients, whose B12 level was lower than 250, in first group and 63 patients, whose B12 >= 250 pg/ml, in second group. Results: Red cell distribution width was significantly higher in group 1 (patients with a vitamin B12 level lower than 250 pg/ml) compared to those in group 2 (patients with a vitamin B12 level higher than 250 pg/ml). Mean platelet volume was significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2. Conclusion: We suggest that MPV and RDW should be an indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency especially in early stages of the disease. However, prospective studies with larger cohort are needed to confirm our results.

Keywords

• anemia
• Vitamin B12
• mean platelet volume
• red cell distribution width
• inflammation