Correlations between Serum Vitamin B12 Levels and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO Spectro Disorder) (NMOSD)

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i832.1206

Abstract

Background: Considering the potential effects of vitamin B12 on the disease course of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), we aimed to investigate and compare the serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with NMO and the normal population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in Iran in 2020, included 35 seronegative NMOSD patients who were referred to a neurology clinic and 53 healthy controls. Demographic data of all patients, including age and gender, were collected. The serum levels of vitamin B12 were then assessed in all participants. The previous history of NMO annualized relapse rate (ARR) in patients with NMO was also asked, and disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Findings: The mean serum vitamin B12 levels were 55.4 ± 29.7 in the patient group and 59.3 ± 37.2 in the control group, but no significant differences were observed between the two groups (P = 0.99). A significant inverse correlation was found between the ARR and serum vitamin B12 levels in NMOSD patients (P = 0.04). Pearson correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between disease duration and EDSS with serum levels of vitamin B12 (P = 0.12 and P = 0.08, respectively).
Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency might contribute to the NMO disease course and frequency of attacks but no significant differences were observed between levels of vitamin B12 in patients with NMO and healthy controls. However a significant reverse relationship was found between number of ARR and serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with NMO.

Highlights

Azar Baradaran: Google Scholar

Azar Naimi: Google Scholar 

Vahid Shayegannejad: Google Scholar

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 832
4th Week, November
November and December 2025
Pages 1206-1212

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 August 2025

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