AN EVALUATION OF THE COBALT-60 VITAMIN B$sub 12$ ABSORPTION TEST
A consecutive series of 150 Co/sup 60/-labelled vitamin B/sub 12/ absorption tests performed at the University of Alberta Hospital was reviewed. Normal individuals and subjects who had an anemia other than pernicious anemia excreted more than 6% of the oral dose rn 24 hr. In pernieious anemia the excretion of Co/sup 60/-labelled vitamin B/sub 12/ was 2.5% or less. The addition of intrinsic factor increased these values to 6% or higher, The test probably has its most important use in differentiating patients with true pernicious anemia from those who have had an incorrect diagnosis of pernicious anemia and are being or have been treated for this condition. The test has found an increasing use in the differentiation of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord from other neurological conditions. Patients with malabsorption states generally have absorption values below 6% but by no means consistently. Addition of intrinsic factor does not increase the absorption. Our results bear out the contention of Dunn and coworkers that where renal impairment exists, as evidenced by elevated blood urea nitrogen, low Co/sup 60/-labelled vitamin B/sub 12/ absorption values are found in 24-hr urine collcetions. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-008487
- OSTI ID:
- 4106946
- Journal Information:
- Canadian Medical Association Journal (Canada), Vol. Vol: 84: No. 2; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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