Multiple sclerosis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency typically presents with anemia and neurological symptoms, usually in older individuals.
• The co-occurrence of MS and vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in younger patients, is rarely reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel association between multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 deficiency.
• To investigate the clinical features and hematologic profiles of patients with this co-occurrence.
• To explore potential mechanisms underlying the observed relationship.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing 10 patients with coexisting multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Clinical data collection including age of onset, symptoms, and neurological findings.
• Hematologic and biochemical analyses, including erythrocyte cobalamin levels and assessment for pernicious anemia.

Main Results:

• Ten patients presented with clinical features typical of MS, with eight diagnosed before age 40.
• Nine patients exhibited hematologic abnormalities, though only two were anemic.
• Low erythrocyte cobalamin levels were found in all six patients tested; only two had pernicious anemia, suggesting unexplained vitamin B12 deficiency in others.

Conclusions:

• An unusual association between multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 deficiency is presented.
• The findings suggest a potential link beyond coincidence, possibly involving vitamin B12 binding or transport.
• Further research into vitamin B12 metabolism in MS is warranted to understand this neurological disorder better.