Correlation of Vitamin B12 Levels with Clinical and Laboratory Features in Patients of Dengue Fever

Abstract

Introduction:  Dengue fever, sometimes known as break bone fever, is a virus-borne disease that is transmitted by mosquitos which causes fever, headache, muscle pain and cramps.¹ The world's subtropical and tropical regions are home to a large population of Aedes mosquitoes, which are responsible for the disease transmission. Estimates suggest that 40-50% of the world's population is now at risk for dengue in tropical, subtropical, and, especially recently, higher temperate regions due to the rapid rise in dengue prevalence in recent decades.² There are around 100 million new cases of dengue each year worldwide, affecting about 2.5 billion individuals who reside in dengue-risk areas.³ The global spread of dengue infection is increasing. Thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction, which cause severe bleeding in dengue patients and other life-threatening consequences, are symptoms of this virus. Vitamin B12 aids in preventing thrombocytopenia and maintaining a normal level of thrombocytes⁴ Compounds having vitamin B12 action are generally referred to as cobalamins since vitamin B12 includes the element cobalt.⁵ It is crucial for the production and maturation of platelets in the bone marrow hence, a deficit might result in thrombocytopenia. The creation of DNA, the genetic information-carrying molecules found inside cells, as well as the metabolism of cells, neuron function, and red blood cell development all depend on vitamin B-12.⁶ Measurements of serum or plasma vitamin B12 levels are commonly used to determine vitamin B12 status. However, most laboratories define subnormal serum or plasma readings as those lower than 200 or .....