THE VIBRATION PERCEPTION THRESHOLD IN GASTRECTOMIZED PATIENTS WITH LOW SERUM B12

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Abstract
In 42 gastrectomized patients with low serum B12 the vibration perception threshold (VPT) was significantly elevated as compared with a control group. Forty patients were followed up after 6-12 mo. of intensive vitamin B12 therapy. Within an adequately treated group (25 patients) remission of symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy was observed, including a statistically significant reduction of the VPT measured on the medial malleolus and big toe. Such a reduction was not observed in the adequately treated group of patients with myelopathy. Findings in the inadequately treated group were less definite, both as regards remission of clinical findings and VPT. In 4 untreated patients the neurological symptoms and signs progressed during the follow-up period. Intensive and long-lasting treatment with vitamin B12 is recommended for gastrectomized patients showing signs of neuropathy.