A Study of Folate and Cobalamin Deficiency in Elderly by Determining a Cut-off Point with Laboratory Markers

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Master science of hematology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Associate Professor of biochemistry and nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Associate Professor of health and social medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Lecturer of Para-medical faculty, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction
 
Prevalence of folate and cobalamin deficiency in elderly is high. Determining a cut off point forlow and marginal levels of folate and cobalamin deficiency before development of anemia or neurocognitive presentations in elderly is essential.
 
Materials and Methods
 
In this cross-sectional study 280 persons above 65 years old in the twelve regions of Mashhad city were admitted to Emam Reza (pbuh) hospital. They were physically examined by a general practitioner. Other data were obtained by questionnaire. Serum cobalamin and folate level were analyzed by RIA method. 76 persons, who had cobalamin of 120-450 pg/ml and folate of 1.5-7 ng/ml without any interfering factor for homocystein (Hcy) measurement (creatinin>1.5g/dl, cigarette smoking and consuming certain kind of drugs) were analyzed for serum homocystein by Elisa method. All collected data was statistically analyzed by SPSS software.
 
Results
 
48.7% of elderly had hyperhomocysteinemia. Hcy was inversely correlated with cobalamin (p=0.001) and folate below cut off point (p=0.044). For Hcy>15 mol/lµ, cut off points for cobalamin and folate deficiency were  
Conclusion
 
According to definition of cut off point, Prevalence of cobalamin & folate deficiency especially in marginal levels was higher than which is recorded. It is recommended that before development of signs and symptoms and other complications of hyperhomocysteinemia, all elderly patients undergoes screening for cobalamin and folate deficiency in appropriate intervals.

Keywords

medical journal of mashhad university of medical sciences
Volume 52, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
May and June 2008
Pages 70-75

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