Serum Concentrations of Vitamin B12 in Patients Suffering from Leukemia

Abstract

1. Vitamin B₁₂ serum concentrations have been investigated in various types Of leukemia. 2. The concentration in chronic myeloid leukemia is approximately 15 times normal. In chronic lymphatic leukemia it is normal. In acute leukemia it is variable. 3. In chronic myeloid leukemia, the serum vitamim B₁₂ exists in the bound form and the binding capacity for added B₁₂ is increased. 4. Electrophoretic studies indicate that serum vitamims B₁₂ in chronic myeloid leukemia is bound in the alpha globulin fractions. 5. Some correlation was found between serum vitamin B₁₂ concentrations and total white cell counts in chronic myeloid leukemia. The possible significance of this is discussed.