Abstract

DEVING, Arias-Ramos; OSCAR JULIAN, García-Montoya  and  TATIANA, Álvarez-Vera. Severe anemia caused by vitamin b12 deficiency associated to metformin use. Revista médica Risaralda [online]. 2018, vol.24, n.2, pp.133-135. ISSN 0122-0667.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has become a public health concern globally due to its high morbidity, mortality and costs caused by short and long-term complications. Metformin is the antidiabetic drug most frequently prescribed because its cost-effectiveness and cardiovascular safety. We present the case of a patient with syncope caused by a severe megaloblastic anemia associated to Vitamin B12 deficiency, in which the only possible cause found was the chronic use of Metformin. Patient received treatment with Cyanocobalamin and showed improvement in erythrocyte indices. It is relevant to highlight importance of the periodic monitoring of Vitamin B12 levels in this type of patients, especially in those presenting symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or anemia.

Keywords : Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Anemia; Metformin; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus..

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )