Risk factors of vitamin B(12) deficiency in patients receiving metformin.
BACKGROUND
Identification of risk factors for metformin-related vitamin B(12) deficiency has major potential implications regarding the management of diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
We conducted a nested case-control study from a database in which the source population consisted of subjects who had levels of both serum vitamin B(12) and hemoglobin A(1c) checked in a central laboratory. We identified 155 cases of diabetes mellitus and vitamin B(12) deficiency secondary to metformin treatment. Another 310 controls were selected from the cohort who did not have vitamin B(12) deficiency while taking metformin.


RESULTS
A total of 155 patients with metformin-related vitamin B(12) deficiency (mean +/- SD serum vitamin B(12) concentration, 148.6 +/- 40.4 pg/mL [110 +/- 30 pmol/L]) were compared with 310 matched controls (466.1 +/- 330.4 pg/mL [344 +/- 244 pmol/L]). After adjusting for confounders, we found clinically important and statistically significant association of vitamin B(12) deficiency with dose and duration of metformin use. Each 1-g/d metformin dose increment conferred an odds ratio of 2.88 (95% confidence interval, 2.15-3.87) for developing vitamin B(12) deficiency (P<.001). Among those using metformin for 3 years or more, the adjusted odds ratio was 2.39 (95% confidence interval, 1.46-3.91) (P = .001) compared with those receiving metformin for less than 3 years. After exclusion of 113 subjects with borderline vitamin B(12) concentration, dose of metformin remained the strongest independent predictor of vitamin B(12) deficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate an increased risk of vitamin B(12) deficiency associated with current dose and duration of metformin use despite adjustment for many potential confounders. The risk factors identified have implications for planning screening or prevention strategies in metformin-treated patients.
Ting
Rose Zhao-Wei
RZ
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong.
Szeto
Cheuk Chun
CC
Chan
Michael Ho-Ming
MH
Ma
Kwok Kuen
KK
Chow
Kai Ming
KM
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin