Hypovitaminosis B12 following partial gastrectomy by the Billroth II method
Rygvold, O.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement 29: 57-64
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0085-5928 PMID: 4530458 Document Number: 77231
A total of 351 subjects treated by Billroth II partial gastrectomy were followed for a period of from 1 to 23 years. In 143 the operation had been done for gastric ulcer and in 208 for duodenal ulcer. None had received antianaemia therapy after the operation. In 16% the serum vitamin B-12 proved lower than 150 pg/ml and 16% had between 150 and 200 pg/ml. The regression line showed an even decline during the first 8 to 10 years after the operation, but thereafter remained almost constant. About half the patients with vitamin B-12 deficiency had normal Hb values. In one-third of those with B-12 deficiency it was combined with Fe deficiency. In 32% the hypovitaminosis B-12 was due to intrinsic factor (IF) deficiency alone, whereas in the others it was one link in an intestinal malabsorption syndrome. Every 5th to 6th subject with normal serum B-12 lacked IF.