Assessment of vitamin B(12) deficiency and B(12) screening trends for patients on metformin: a retrospective cohort case review

OBJECTIVES: Our study investigated the use of vitamin B(12) testing in a large cohort of patients on metformin and assesses appropriateness and benefits of screening recommendations for vitamin B(12) deficiency. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included insured adult patients who had more than 1 year of metformin use between 1 January 2010 and 1 October 2016 and who filled at least two consecutive prescriptions of metformin to establish compliance. The comparison group was not exposed to metformin. Primary outcome was incidence of B(12) deficiency diagnosed in patients on metformin. Secondary outcome was occurrence of B(12) testing in the patient population on metformin. Records dated through 31 December 2018 were analysed. SETTING: Large hospital system consisting of inpatient and outpatient data base. PARTICIPANTS: A diverse, adult, insured population of patients who had more than 1 year of metformin use between 1 January 2010 and 1 October 2016 and who filled at least two consecutive prescriptions of metformin. RESULTS: Of 13 489 patients on metformin, 6051 (44.9%) were tested for vitamin B(12) deficiency, of which 202 (3.3%) tested positive (vs 2.2% of comparisons). Average time to test was 990 days. Average time to test positive for deficiency was 1926 days. Factors associated with testing were linked to sex (female, 47.8%), older age (62.79% in patients over 80 years old), race (48.98% white) and causes of malabsorption (7.11%). Multivariable logistic regression showed older age as the only factor associated with vitamin B(12) deficiency, whereas African-American ethnicity approached significance as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study’s findings of vitamin B(12) deficiency in patients on metformin who are greater than 65 years old and have been using it for over 5 years, we recommend that physicians consider screening in these populations.