Module summary
Consultant haematologist Dr Priya Sriskandarajah advises on key aspects of the management of vitamin B12 deficiency in primary care, including when to suspect B12 deficiency, interpreting test results, how to investigate underlying causes, and when urgent treatment is required.
Learning objectives
This module is designed to extend your knowledge of:
- Potential presentations of vitamin B12 deficiency
- The underlying causes of vitamin B12 deficiency and how these are investigated
- Appropriate serum testing to identify vitamin B12 and how test results should be interpreted, including use of second-line tests
- When to initiate vitamin B12 replacement and appropriate dosing and routes of administration, including when urgent treatment is required
- Appropriate follow-up and monitoring of patients on vitamin B12 replacement therapy
Author: Dr Priya Sriskandarajah is Consultant Haematologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London
Date module published: 30.09.24
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Reviews
A very useful and interesting article\nOral therapy is well tolerated and convenient for most patients . I have become more confident in offering oral treatment when appropriate,reducing unnecessary injections \nI have improved safety netting by providing clear written advice on when to return if symptoms persist \nI have learned the importance of identifying the underlying causes early particularly distinguishing dietary deficiency from pernicious anaemia
A well written module about an interesting topic which is relevant to general practice.
very clear easy to follow
Interesting though the majority of our patients have dietary deficiency of B12. This has been written from a Haematology point of view and not primary care. In 25 years I have never even heard of someone having subacute degeneration of the cord. I can\\\\\'t order MMA or differentiate between B12 molecules when asking for bloods. Check B12 if low though over 100 give oral B12 recheck in 8 weeks if significantly up = dietary insufficiency which is 98\\% of our low B12\\\\\'s
Excellent module
excellent
sfgdb
Excellent
Comprehensive