title: [Nitrous oxide can cause cobalamin deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a simple and cheap remedy].
abstract: Nitrous oxide may cause neurological and haematological signs and symptoms, as a result of its tendency to form complex with cobalt(I) in methylcobalamin, the cofactor for methionine synthase (EC 2.1.1.13), resulting in irreversible oxidation of the cofactor and inactivation of the enzyme protein. Formation of active enzyme requires new protein synthesis, as well as cobalamin supply (vitamin B12). Patients with low or marginal cobalamin depots (commonly found in the elderly) are at risk. The risk may be avoided by giving vitamin B12 to patients with confirmed or suspected cobalamin deficiency in good time before surgery involving nitrous oxide anaesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Avdelningen för klinisk kemi och transfusionsmedicin, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, Göteborg.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lindstedt
mesh_terms: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D014805:Vitamin B 12
vernacular_title: Lustgas kan utlösa kobalaminbrist. Vitamin B12 enkelt och billigt motmedel.