Neurofibromatosis type 1 and vitamin B12

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin B12 levels in the patients diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and to compare them with a healthy group. In this study, the files of the patients, who were admitted to the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital and were followed up after being diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 during the 15-month period, were evaluated retrospectively (Study group). Demographic data, and laboratory test results (complete blood count, iron, iron-binding capacity, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate) were recorded from the patient files. The cases admitted to the hospital for routine child health examination in the same period were taken as the control group. Vitamin B12 levels were statistically significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.012). This study is the first study evaluating vitamin B12 levels in NF1 patients.