Elevated plasma vitamin B12 levels as a marker for cancer: a population-based cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A substantial proportion of patients referred for plasma vitamin B12 (cobalamin [Cbl]) measurement present with high Cbl levels, which have been reported in patients with different cancer types. However, the cancer risk among patients with newly diagnosed high Cbl levels has not been adequately examined.

Methods

We conducted this cohort study using population-based Danish medical registries. Patients referred for Cbl measurement with levels greater than the lower reference limit (≥200 pmol/L) were identified from the population of Northern Denmark during the period of 1998 to 2009 using a database of laboratory test results covering the entire population. Data on cancer incidence (follow-up 1998-2010), Cbl treatment, and prior diagnoses were obtained from medical

SUBMITTER: Arendt JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3848986 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature