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Decline of Serum Cobalamin Levels With Increasing Age Among Geriatric Outpatients
Yulin Yao, MD;
Grace Lu-Yao, MPH, PhD;
David N. Mesches, MD;
Wendy Lou, MD
Arch Fam Med. 1994;3(10):918-922.
Abstract
The level of serum cobalamin declines with increasing age. Among 100 consecutive geriatric outpatients who were seen in office-based settings for various acute and chronic medical illnesses but not for cobalamin deficiency—related diseases, 11% had serum cobalamin levels from 148 to 295 pmol/L. The average annual serum cobalamin level decline was 18 pmol/L for patients who had higher initial serum cobalamin levels (actual range, from 224 to 292 pmol/L). The average annual serum cobalamin decline was 28 pmol/L, which was much higher, for patients who had lower initial serum cobalamin levels (actual range, from 157 to 221 pmol/L). Patients with initial serum cobalamin levels of 148 pmol/L or below received treatment immediately, and their declines could not be studied.
Author Affiliations
From the Department of Family Practice, New York Medical College, Kingston (Drs Yao and Mesches); the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dartmouth School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hamsphire (Dr Lu-Yao); and the Department of Medicine, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York, NY (Dr Lou).
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Screening for Cobalamin Deficiency
Norman
Arch Fam Med 1995;4:304-305.
ABSTRACT
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