Study of Correlation of Vitamin B-12 Levels in Febrile Thrombocytopenia: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Thrombocytopenia can occur in vitamin B12 deficiency due to ineffective hematopoiesis. Case reports link B12 deficiency with febrile thrombocytopenia, but larger scale correlational studies are lacking. We aimed to evaluate for a correlation between vitamin B12 levels and platelet counts in patients presenting with febrile thrombocytopenia. Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted on 50 patients presenting with fever and thrombocytopenia. Vitamin B12 levels and platelet counts were measured. Correlation and comparative analyses were performed between B12 levels and platelet counts. Results: Thirty-eight percent of patients were vitamin B12 deficient (<200pg/mL). Vitamin B12 level demonstrated significant moderate positive correlation with platelet count (r=0.427, p=0.002). Comparisons between deficiency groups showed significantly lower platelet count in the B12 deficient (85 x 109/L) versus sufficient group (112 x 109/L), (p=0.04). Linear regression identified vitamin B12 status as an independent predictor of platelet count when adjusted for confounders (B=0.18, p=0.01). Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency has a significant correlational association specifically with reduced platelet counts in the context of febrile presentations. Screening for B12 deficiency could help evaluate thrombocytopenia etiology and guide management.