Anemia attributed to vitamin B6 deficiency in post-pancreaticoduodenectomy patients

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A, iron, zinc, and selenium have been known to occur as a consequence of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), but vitamin B6 deficiency has not been previously reported. We report two post-PD patients who developed anemias attributed to vitamin B6 deficiency. Oral supplementations of vitamin B6 significantly improved anemias in both cases. Micronutrients including vitamin B6 should be monitored in post-PD patients, and supplementations should be carried out when necessary.

Keywords: Anemia; Bariatric surgery; Malabsorption; Micronutrients; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Vitamin B6 deficiency.