[Neurological disorders related to vitamin B12 deficiency in prisons in Guinea: a 22-case study]

Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 2013 Aug;106(3):156-9. doi: 10.1007/s13149-013-0296-7. Epub 2013 Jun 21.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Neurological disorders related to vitamin B12 deficiency are common in prisons of tropical Africa. We collected 22 cases (20 men and 2 women). They all showed vitamin B12 deficiency associated with neurological signs that were represented by sclerosis combined with bone marrow (n = 9), peripheral neuropathy (n = 6), cerebellar syndrome (n = 2), a pyramidal syndrome of the lower limbs (n = 4) and optic neuropathy (n = 1). Laboratory tests showed a mean hemoglobin concentration of 7.2 ± 1.5 g/dl, mean 104 ± 28 fl, macrocytic anemia in 10 patients. Biermer's disease was identified in 9 patients, 3 patients showed the syndrome of non dissociation of vitamin B12, a gastrectomy in 2 patients and no etiology was identified in 8 patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Guinea
  • Humans
  • Hydroxocobalamin / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Prisons*
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / diagnosis
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / drug therapy

Substances

  • Hydroxocobalamin