Assessment of the knowledge and practice of Jordanian family medicine practitioners regarding vitamin B12 screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on metformin

Background: Metformin is one of the most important treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Mostly metformin has a safe profile but in some cases, it may cause some serious long-term hematological and neurological side effects mainly due to vitamin B12 deficiency. It is proven that there is a strong association between B12 deficiency and hematological and neurological manifestations, especially for T2DM patients on metformin. Hence, the American Diabetic Association (ADA) recommends vitamin B12 screening for those on metformin for a long duration. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and practice of family physicians among diabetic patients on metformin, and to evaluate the factors that enhance and prevent vitamin B12 screening. Method: A validated questionnaire was designed and distributed online for family medicine practitioners between the period of in June and September 2022. 147 family physicians participated in the study. A scoring system was used to calculate the knowledge, practice, and total scores. Results: The results reveal a high total knowledge score among participants about vitamin B12 manifestations and screening in T2DM patients. However, only half of the participants follow the ADA recommendations routinely (53.06)%. The total practice score is low as most participants (87.7%) answer only 9 of 18 questions correctly. Moreover, the results show that those who follow ADA recommendations routinely have better knowledge and practice scores (p-value 0.00406). Conclusion: More awareness about ADA recommendations and the practice of vitamin B12 screening in T2DM patients who use metformin for family physicians is required, either by encouraging them to order B12 through workshops and continuous learning programs or by the availability of tools needed to test B12 (AU)

Vitamina B12: ¿para algo más que el tratamiento de la anemia megaloblástica? / Vitamin B12: For more than just the treatment of megaloblastic anemia?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins and is ingested through food of animal origin such as eggs, milk, red meat and poultry, fish, and shellfish. Its clinical indication is the treatment of hypovitaminosis B12 administered orally or intramuscularly in the form of hydroxocobalamin. Hypovitaminosis B12 is mainly caused by deficient dietary intake (individuals with malnutrition, vegetarians or vegans, older adults, pregnant people, individuals with alcohol use disorder); when intestinal absorption is reduced (atrophic gastritis, malabsorption syndrome, gastrointestinal surgery); and for causes associated with the intake of drugs (antacids, metformin). Hypervitaminosis B12 has been associated with renal failure; liver diseases such as cirrhosis and acute-phase hepatitis; alcohol use disorder with or without liver involvement; solid tumors of the lung, liver, esophagus, pancreas, and colorectum; and in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and bone marrow dysplasia (AU)

La vitamina B12 o cobalamina pertenece al grupo de vitaminas hidrosolubles y su aporte se realiza a través de la ingesta de alimentos de origen animal como huevo; leche; carnes rojas y de aves; pescados y mariscos. Su indicación clínica es el tratamiento de la hipovitaminosis B12 administrada por vía oral o intramuscular en forma de hidroxicobalamina. La hipovitaminosis B12 se origina, principalmente, por un déficit de aporte en la dieta (malnutrición, sujetos vegetarianos o veganos, ancianos, embarazo, alcoholismo); cuando está disminuida su absorción intestinal (gastritis atrófica, síndrome de malabsorción intestinal, cirugía gastro-intestinal) y asociada a ingesta de fármacos (antiácidos, metformina). La hipervitaminosis B12 se ha relacionado con la insuficiencia renal; hepatopatías como cirrosis y hepatitis en fase aguda; alcoholismo con o sin afectación hepática; tumores sólidos de pulmón, hígado, esófago, páncreas y colorrectal y en neoplasias hematológicas como leucemia y la displasia medular (AU)

Late-onset methylmalonic acidemia and homocysteinemia / Acidemia metilmalónica y homocisteinemia de inicio tardío

Introduction: cobalamin C (Cbl C) deficiency is the most common defect in intracellular cobalamin metabolism, associated with methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria. Its late clinical presentation is heterogeneous and may lead to a diagnostic delay. Case report: we report the case of a 45-year-old man with a 20-year history of chronic kidney disease and recently diagnosed spastic paraparesis, both of unknown origin. Metabolic studies revealed elevated levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in the blood and urine. A genetic study confirmed cobalamin C deficiency. Treatment with hydroxocobalamin, betaine, carnitine, and folic acid was started. The patient eventually received a kidney transplant. Discussion: early diagnosis and appropriate treatment improve the clinical evolution of patients with Cbl C deficiency. Determination of homocysteine, organic acids, and other amino acids should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with nephrological-neurological symptoms without a clear etiology. (AU)

Introducción: la deficiencia de cobalamina C (Cbl C) es el defecto más común en el metabolismo intracelular de la cobalamina, asociado a acidemia metilmalónica y homocistinuria. Su presentación clínica tardía es heterogénea y puede llevar a un retraso en el diagnóstico. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de un varón de 45 años con 20 años de evolución de enfermedad renal crónica y paraparesia espástica de reciente diagnóstico, ambos de origen desconocido. Los estudios metabólicos revelaron niveles elevados de homocisteína y ácido metilmalónico en sangre y orina. El estudio genético confirmó el déficit de cobalamina C. Se inició tratamiento con hidroxocobalamina, betaína, carnitina y ácido fólico. El paciente pudo recibir un trasplante renal. Discusión: el establecimiento de un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento adecuado mejora la evolución clínica de los pacientes con déficit de Cbl C. La determinación de homocisteína, ácidos orgánicos y otros aminoácidos debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial de los pacientes con síntomas nefrológico-neurológicos sin una etiología clara. (AU)

Demencia reversible por deficiencia de vitamina B12. A propósito de un caso / Reversible dementia in a patient with vitamin B12 deficiency: presentation of a case

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Encefalopatía grave y deficiencia de vitamina B12: reversibilidad tras la terapia nutricional / Severe encephalopathy and vitamin B12 deficiency: reversibility after nutritional therapy

INTRODUCCIÓN: la vitamina cobalamina es esencial para el buen funcionamiento del SNC, la hematopoyesis y la síntesis de ADN. Su déficit es frecuentemente secundario a la anemia perniciosa o a las dietas vegetarianas estrictas. CASO CLÍNICO: lactante varón de 18 meses con disminución del nivel de conciencia y trastorno del movimiento (temblor y movimientos coreiformes) de horas de duración. Como antecedentes, presenta retraso de la adquisición de los hitos motores (no bipedestación, lenguaje monosilábico) y pérdida progresiva de los mismos en las últimas semanas (sostén cefálico y sedestación). Alimentado mediante lactancia materna desde el nacimiento. La familia sigue una alimentación vegetariana. En las pruebas de neuroimagen, la TC y la RM craneales muestran atrofia supratentorial generalizada de ambas sustancias y de los ganglios basales. Se inicia tratamiento con vitamina B12 intramuscular, aumentando sus niveles. Posteriormente se procede a la diversificación alimentaria y la administración de cianocobalamina oral, con normalización clínica al cabo de 6 meses y radiológica al cabo de 7 meses. DISCUSIÓN: recalcamos la importancia de la suplementación con B12 durante el embarazo y la lactancia tanto en la mujer como en el lactante

INTRODUCTION: the vitamin cobalamin is essential for a proper functioning of the CNS, hematopoiesis, and DNA synthesis. Its deficiency is frequently secondary to pernicious anemia or strict vegetarian diets. CASE REPORT: an 18-month-old male infant presented with a decreased level of consciousness and movement disorder (tremor and choreiform movements) of several hours' standing. He had a history of delayed acquisition of motor milestones (not standing, monosyllabic language), and progressive loss of these over the last few weeks (head support and sitting). He had been breastfed from birth. His family has a vegetarian diet. In neuroimages, cranial CT and MRI scans showed generalized supratentorial atrophy involving both matters and the basal ganglia. Treatment was started with intramuscular vitamin B12, which increased its levels. Subsequently, the patient was subjected to dietary diversification and oral cyanocobalamin, with clinical normalization after 6 months and radiological normalization after 7 months. DISCUSSION: we emphasize the importance of vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation in vegetarian mothers and their infants

Predictive risk factors for autoimmune thyroid diseases in patients with pernicious anemia / Factores predictivos de riesgo de enfermedades tiroideas autoinmunes en pacientes con anemia perniciosa

BACKGROUND: Patients with pernicious anemia (PA) have a higher prevalence of other autoimmune diseases. We assessed the correlation between PA and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), and evaluated the risk factors for this association. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted involving patients with PA between 2010 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients with PA were evaluated, 74 (86%) female, with a median age of 51.5 years. Thyroid abnormalities were detected in 45 (52.3%) patients, including 28 (32.3%) hypothyroidism, 3 (3.5%) hyperthyroidism and 20 (23.3%) thyroperoxidase antibody positivity. Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for having AITD in PA patients: weight loss (OR 12.03; 95% CI 1.06-137.02, P=0.045), diabetes mellitus (OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.15-26.58, P=0.047) and gastric antibodies positivity (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.45-18.24, P=0.013). CONCLUSION: PA and AITD are frequently associated, suggesting all patients with PA should be investigated for occult thyroid disease, especially those with weight loss, diabetes mellitus and gastric autoantibodies

ANTECEDENTES: Los pacientes con anemia perniciosa (AP) tienen una mayor prevalencia de otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Evaluamos la correlación entre AP y enfermedades tiroideas autoinmunes (AITD), así como los factores de riesgo para esta asociación. MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio longitudinal que incluyó a pacientes con AP entre 2010 y 2017. RESULTADOS: Evaluamos a un total de 86 pacientes con AP, 74 (86%) mujeres, con una edad media de 51,5 años. Detectamos alteraciones tiroideas en 45 (52,3%) pacientes, incluyendo 28 (32,3%) casos de hipotiroidismo, 3 (3,5%) de hipertiroidismo y 20 (23,3%) de positividad para anticuerpos anti-tiroperoxidasa. El análisis de regresión logística identificó los factores de riesgo de padecer AITD en pacientes de AP: pérdida de peso (OR: 12,03; IC 95%: 1,06-137,02; p = 0,045), diabetes mellitus (OR: 4,68; IC 95%: 1,15-26,58; p = 0,047) y positividad frente a anticuerpos gástricos (OR: 5,05; IC 95%: 1,45-18,24; p = 0,013). CONCLUSIÓN: AP y AITD están frecuentemente asociados, lo cual sugiere que deberían investigarse las enfermedades tiroideas ocultas en todos los pacientes con AP, especialmente aquellos con pérdida de peso, diabetes mellitus y auto-anticuerpos gástricos

Máculas eritematosas urentes orales como manifestación inicial de deficiencia de la vitamina B12 / Burning Erythematous Oral Macules as the Presenting Manifestation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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Evaluation of vitamin B12 monitoring in patients on metformin in urban ambulatory care settings

Background: Previous studies linked metformin use to vitamin B12 deficiency and demonstrated that the prevalence of vitamin B12 monitoring remains low. Objective: This study aimed to assess the occurrence of monitoring vitamin B12 levels in a diverse population. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin doses ≥ 1000 mg for ≥ 6 months at five Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and one Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Charts were reviewed for occurrence of monitoring vitamin B12 levels in the past 5 years. Data collected included patient demographics, laboratory data, other potential vitamin B12 level lowering agents, active prescription for vitamin B12 supplementation, concomitant diabetes medications and metformin total daily dose. Results: Of the 322 patients included, 25% had a vitamin B12 level measured in the previous five years. Among the patients with a vitamin B12 level, 87.7% were within the normal range (>350 pg/mL), 11.1% were low (200-300 pg/mL), and only one patient (1.2%) was deficient (<200 pg/mL). These patients were older (69.2 vs. 56.4, p<0.001); more likely to be white (56.8% vs. 37.8%, p=0.04); and more likely to use proton pump inhibitors (34.6% vs. 20.7%, p=0.02) and vitamin B12 supplementation (27.2% vs. 4.6%, p<0.001). Vitamin B12 monitoring differed between the FQHC (15.2%) and PACE (97.4%) sites (p<0.001). Each greater year of age was associated with a 5% increased odds of vitamin B12 monitoring (a OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08). Conclusions: The majority of patients seen at the FQHC sites did not have vitamin B12 levels monitored, however, most of the patients who were monitored had normal vitamin B12 levels, which may warrant extending the monitoring time. This finding may also support monitoring patients who have additional risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency such as concurrent medication use with other vitamin B12 lowering agents or clinical symptoms of deficiency such as peripheral neuropathy. Future studies are needed to determine appropriate frequency of monitoring

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¿Son las dietas vegetarianas nutricionalmente adecuadas? Una revisión de la evidencia científica / Are vegetarian diets nutritionally adequate? A revision of the scientific evidence

El seguimiento de dietas vegetarianas está en auge y, aunque estas se han relacionado con algunos beneficios para la salud, la baja biodisponibilidad de determinados micronutrientes en los alimentos vegetales puede resultar en riesgo de déficit nutricional, por lo que se hace necesaria una adecuada planificación de dichas dietas. En este sentido, se ha evidenciado el déficit de vitamina B12 en vegetarianos y está consensuada la necesidad de ingerir complementos de esta vitamina. La deficiencia de vitamina D puede ser más frecuente que en omnívoros, particularmente durante el invierno, cuando la síntesis cutánea es mínima. La baja biodisponibilidad del hierro, el zinc y el selenio en los alimentos vegetales puede afectar también al estado nutricional de vegetarianos. Además, las dietas vegetarianas suelen ser deficitarias en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de la serie omega-3, eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA). Por otro lado, estas dietas sí parecen aportar cantidades adecuadas de otras vitaminas, como el ácido ascórbico, el ácido fólico y las vitaminas liposolubles A y E. En esta revisión se presentan las características de la ingesta de macro- y micronutrientes procedentes de las dietas vegetarianas y la relación dieta-salud. Se exponen, además, datos sobre el estado nutricional de adultos que consumen dichas dietas, proponiendo recomendaciones nutricionales primordiales para prevenir deficiencias. Finalmente, se presenta la posible aplicación clínica de intervenciones controladas con dietas vegetarianas

Vegetarian diets are booming and, although these diets have been linked to some health benefits, the low bioavailability of some micronutrients in plant foods may result in risk of nutritional deficiencies, which makes necessary adequate planning of these diets. In this regard, vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians has been evidenced and there is a consensus on the need of supplementation of this vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency may be more frequent than in omnivores, particularly during the winter, when skin synthesis is minimal. The low bioavailability of iron, zinc and selenium in vegetables can also affect nutritional status of vegetarians. Furthermore, vegetarian diets are usually deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 family, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. On the other hand, these diets appear to provide adequate quantities of other vitamins, such as ascorbic acid, folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins A and E. In this review, the characteristics of the intake of macro- and micronutrients of vegetarian diets and the diet and health relationships are presented. In addition, data on nutritional status of this population are also shown and suggestions on nutritional recommendations to prevent deficiencies are given. Finally, the possible clinical application of controlled interventions with vegetarian diets is presented

Estudio exploratorio del vegetarianismo en restauración colectiva / An exploratory study of vegetarianism in catering establishment

Introducción: el interés por las dietas vegetarianas está en auge, pero siguen existiendo muchas dudas y controversia al respecto. Temas como sus posibles deficiencias nutricionales, o si son adecuadas o saludables, podrían no ser ampliamente conocidos. Objetivos: explorar estas dietas, ver el nivel de conocimiento que existe sobre ellas y analizar y mejorar nutricionalmente los menús vegetarianos de un restaurante con opciones vegetarianas. Métodos: el diseño del estudio fue de tipo descriptivo, transversal y exploratorio. Se entregaron cuestionarios con 17 preguntas y un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos entre los clientes del restaurante. Participaron un total de 155 personas, con un rango de edad de 18-62 años. Se analizaron un total de 30 menús y se hicieron sugerencias para mejorarlos. Resultados: de la muestra total, 138 personas eran omnívoras, 12 eran vegetarianas y dos, veganas. Más de la mitad de los vegetarianos no sabían que la única suplementación necesaria por defecto es la B12 y el ≈60% de ellos dijo no suplementarse nunca con ella. Los menús vegetarianos analizados aportaban de media 1.195 kcal y cubrían el 89% de la ingesta recomendada de fibra, el 212% de vitamina C, ≈30% de calcio y zinc, el 86% de hierro y el 38% de B12. Se observaron niveles insuficientes de vitamina D. Conclusiones: existe un gran desconocimiento sobre muchos aspectos de las dietas vegetarianas, incluso entre los propios vegetarianos. Informar al público es primordial, tanto para evitar deficiencias nutricionales potencialmente peligrosas (B12), como para atraer a más personas hacia este tipo de dietas, con los beneficios que esto acarrearía. Se observaron niveles muy adecuados de nutrientes en los menús vegetarianos de Foodtopía. Las principales sugerencias de mejora fueron: reducir las calorías totales y la cantidad de aceite de girasol y aumentar la cantidad de legumbres, frutos secos y semillas

Introduction: interest in vegetarian diets is rising, however, it remains a very controversial topic, and with many reservations regarding it. Questions like their conceivable nutritional deficiencies, or if they are adequate or healthy, might be widely unknown. Objectives: exploring vegetarian diets, examining the current level of knowledge about them, and analyzing and improving, from a nutritional standpoint, the vegetarian menus of a restaurant with vegetarian options. Methods: this study was designed as an exploratory, crossover, descriptive study. Surveys with 17 items and a food frequency questionnaire were given among the customers of the restaurant. A total of 155 people, aged between 18 and 62, took part in it. A total of 30 menus were analyzed, and some suggestions were made in order to improve them. Results: out of the total sample, 138 people were omnivores, 12 people were vegetarians and two were vegans. More than half of the vegetarians did not know vitamin B12 is the only required supplement by default, and almost 60% of them stated never taking B12 supplements. The vegetarian menus which were analyzed provided a mean of 1,195 kcal, and covered 89% of the requirements of fiber, 212% of vitamin C, ≈30% of both calcium and zinc, 86% of iron, and 38% of B12. Conclusion: a great lack of knowledge regarding several aspects of vegetarian diets was found, even among vegetarian themselves. Informing the general public is essential for both avoiding dangerous nutritional deficiencies (like B12), and attracting more people towards this kind of diets, with all the benefits this would provide. In the vegetarian menus of Foodtopía, adequate levels of nutrients were observed. The main suggestions to improve the menus were: reducing the total calories and the amount of sunflower oil, and increasing the amount of legumes, nuts and seeds

Inhibidores de la bomba de protones y carcinogénesis gástrica / Proton pump inhibitors and gastric carcinogenesis

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Determinación de ingesta y fuentes dietéticas de vitaminaB12 en adultos mayores chilenos / Determination of intake and dietetic sources of vitamin B12in Chileans elderly

Fundamentos: La Vitamina B-12 es una de las vitaminas fundamentales para la salud del adulto mayor (AM).El objetivo fue determinar y caracterizar el consumo de Vitamina B-12 en población AM en la Región Metropolitana. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal, se entrevistaron a 250 AM del gran Santiago, ≥ 60 años, a cada AM se le aplicó una encuesta de tendencia de consumo adaptada solo con alimentos de origen animal para obtener la ingesta diaria de Vitamina B-12.Resultados:Del total de hombres encuestados un 8% está bajo el Requerimiento Promedio Estimado (EAR) y un 14% bajo la Dosis Diaria Recomendada (RDA), en mujeres un 3,2% estaba bajo el EAR y 9,1% bajo el RDA. Se observa una mayor ingesta en los hombres solo en el grupo de huevos, y una tendencia al mayor consumo en hombres de embutidos y cecinas, en el resto de alimentos no se presentan diferencias significativas. En mujeres la leche representa el mayor aporte de Vitamina B-12 (43%), seguida por el huevo (14%), vacuno (13%), pescado (6%), en hombres en cambio el 36% de la Vitamina B-12 es aportada por leche, huevos (17%), vacuno (14%) y mariscos (8%). Conclusiones: Se observó un bajo porcentaje de AM que presentan un bajo consumo de Vitamina B-12, y que la mayor parte de esta vitamina es aportada por lácteos y huevos

Background: Vitamin B-12 is one of the fundamental vitamins for health of the elderly (EL). The objective was to determine and characterize the consumption of Vitamin B-12 in the EL population in the Metropolitan Region. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, 250 EL were interviewed in Santiago of Chile, ≥ 60 years, to each survey was applied adapted only withfood of animal origin to obtain the daily intake of vitamin B-12. Results: 221 surveys that were complete were analyzed. Of the total men surveyed, 8% are under the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and 14% under the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), in women 3.2% were under the EAR and 9.1% under the RDA. A higher intake is observed in men only in eggs, and a tendencyin a greater consumption of sausage in men, in the rest of foods there are no significant differences. In women milk represents the highest contribution of vitamin B-12 (43%), followed by egg (14%), beef (12%) andfish, the difference in men 36% of vitamin B-12 is contributed by milk, eggs (17%), beef (14%) and seafood (8%). Conclusions: We observed a low percentage of AM that present a low consumption of vitamin B-12, and that most of this vitamin is contributed by dairy products and eggs

Patología neurológica por déficit de vitaminas del grupo B: tiamina, folato y cobalamina / Neurological pathology associated with vitamin B group deficiency: thiamine, folate and cobalamin

La "fragilidad" del sistema nervioso, en especial en lo referente a su nutrición y metabolismo, explica que los déficits vitamínicos sean una causa importante de patología neurológica. Algunas enfermedades carenciales, que pueden ser muy graves e irreversibles, aún se presentan en nuestro entorno. Su diagnóstico, que debe ser precoz para no retrasar el tratamiento, puede ser complicado si no las tenemos en mente. En esta revisión abordamos las enfermedades neurológicas más relevantes asociadas al déficit de tiamina, folatos y cobalamina, deteniéndonos especialmente en la degeneración combinada subaguda y el síndrome de Wernicke-Korsakoff

The "fragility" of the nervous system, especially concerning to its nutrition and metabolism, explains why vitamin deficits are an important cause of neurological pathology. Some deficiency diseases, which can be very severe and irreversible, are still present in our environment; diagnosis, which must be early so as not to delay treatment, can be difficult if we do not have them in mind. In this review we address the most relevant neurological diseases associated with thiamine, folate and cobalamin deficiency, and we focus especially combined subacute degeneration and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Cobalamin disorder CblC presenting with hemolytic uremic syndrome and pulmonary hypertension / Aciduria metilmalónica con homocistinuria tipo CblC como causa de síndrome hemolítico urémico e hipertensión pulmonar

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Mielopatía por déficit de cobre: la gran simuladora / Myelopathy secondary to copper deficiency: The great imitator

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Niveles de vitamina B12 en la población consultante de un centro de salud urbano de Madrid / Vitamin B12 levels in the patient population attending an urban health centre in Madrid

Introducción. Habitualmente, en el ámbito de la Atención Primaria analizamos los niveles de vitamina B12 de la población cuando presenta sintomatología propia de su carencia o factores de riesgo asociados a esta, principalmente ancianos; sin embargo, no hemos encontrado en la literatura evidencia que sostenga la recomendación de un cribado poblacional general. Nuestro objetivo es valorar la pertinencia de haber aumentado el cribado de la deficiencia de vitamina B12 a población más joven, tras observar un aumento de la prescripción de inyectables de esta vitamina en población menor de 65 años, mediante el análisis de los valores de vitamina B12 encontrados. Material y método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. La muestra la componen los 5.531 pacientes del Centro de Salud Barajas que se realizaron al menos una analítica con valores de vitamina B12, por cualquier motivo, entre los años 2008 y 2012. Resultados. Encontramos que el 9,1% (DE 2,3) de los pacientes tenían déficit. El 49,4% de los casos encontrados fueron menores de 65 años. Se observaron asociaciones significativas del déficit (p<0,001, IC 95%) con la edad, la demencia, las alteraciones en la serie roja de la sangre y de la memoria, y con el consumo de metformina e inhibidores de la bomba de protones (p=0,007). Conclusión. La prevalencia de déficit de vitamina B12 en nuestra población atendida es similar en mayores y menores de 65 años. El cribado fue pertinente

Introduction. Vitamin B12 levels are usually measured in Primary Care when the patients have symptoms or risk factors associated with its deficiency, mostly in the elderly. However, no evidence has been found to support the recommendation of screening in the general population. The aim of this study is to assess the relevance of having extended the screening of vitamin B12 deficiency to a younger population, after observing an increase in the prescription of this injected vitamin in a population under 65 years, by analysing the vitamin B12 values obtained. Material and method. A descriptive, retrospective, observational study was conducted on a sample consisting of 5,531 patients from Barajas Health Primary Centre, Madrid, between 2008 and 2012, and on whom a blood test was performed for any reason, with values of vitamin B12. Results. A deficiency was found in 9.1% (SD 2.3) of the patients, of whom 49.4% were less than 65 years. The deficiencies were associated (P<.001, 95% CI) with age, dementia, changes in blood red cell counts, memory, and with the taking of metformin and proton pump inhibitors (P=.007). Conclusion. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in our served population is similar in patients older and younger than 65 years. The extended screening was relevant

Regresión autista: aspectos clínicos y etiológicos / Autistic regression: clinical and aetiological aspects

Introducción. Los trastornos del espectro autista son disfunciones del neurodesarrollo que se caracterizan por déficits en la integración social y la comunicación, asociados a intereses restringidos y conductas estereotipadas. Un alto porcentaje se asocia a trastorno del lenguaje, disfunciones sensoriales, trastorno por déficit de atención, bipolaridad, discapacidad intelectual o epilepsia, entre otras comorbilidades. Se estima que aproximadamente un 30% de los niños con autismo, con desarrollo típico inicial, pueden presentar regresión en los primeros años de vida, lo cual ya fue comunicado por Kanner en uno de sus casos originales. Se denomina regresión a la pérdida de habilidades sociales, comunicativas o motoras. Es esencial estar atentos ante cualquier cuadro de regresión autista, ya que no siempre es una manifestación habitual inespecífica del espectro clínico de autismo. Si bien la patogenia de la regresión se comprende poco, debe ser jerarquizada, ya que puede ser parte de diferentes entidades con diversas etiologías. Objetivo. Analizar diferentes entidades que deben evocarse frente a un niño con regresión autista, incluyendo etiologías genéticas, tóxicas, fenómenos autoinmunes, nutricionales y epilepsias. Conclusión. Frente a un cuadro de regresión autista es esencial intentar identificar (AU)

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental dysfunctions that are characterised by deficits in social integration and communication, associated with restricted interests and stereotypic behaviour. A high percentage are related to language disorders, sensory dysfunctions, attention deficit disorder, bipolarity, intellectual disability or epilepsy, among other comorbidities. It is estimated that around 30% of children with autism, with typical early development, may present regression in the first years of life, which was already reported by Kanner in one of his original cases. The term regression refers to the loss of social, communicative or motor skills. It is essential to be alert to any symptoms of autistic regression, since it is not always an unspecific usual manifestation of the clinical spectrum of autism. Although little is known about the pathogenesis of regression, it needs to be organised hierarchically, as it can be part of different conditions with a variety of causes. Aims. The aim of this study is to analyse distinct conditions that need to be addressed in the case of a child with autistic regression, including genetic and toxic causations, autoimmune and nutritional phenomena, and epilepsies. Conclusion. When faced with a case of autistic regression it is essential to try to identify the possible aetiology, as this can allow specific treatment and adequate genetic counselling to be established (AU)