Wouter van der Steen1, Tom den Heijer1,2, Joost Groen3. 1. Franciscus Gasthuis en Vlietland, afd. Neurologie, Rotterdam. 2. Contact: T. den Heijer (t.denheijer@franciscus.nl). 3. Franciscus Gasthuis en Vlietland, Klinisch Chemisch Hematologisch Laboratorium, Rotterdam.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are indications that the use of levodopa/carbidopa can cause symptomatic vitamin B6 deficiency. However, this has only been described for patients who used the product in the form of an intestinal gel. CASE DESCRIPTION: We are describing 3 patients who developed vitamin B6 deficiency while using levodopa/carbidopa in tablet form. All 3 patients developed symptoms consistent with peripheral axonal polyneuropathy. CONCLUSION: The cases of our patients are providing support for the idea that oral use of levodopa/carbidopa can cause symptomatic vitamin B6 deficiency.
BACKGROUND: There are indications that the use of levodopa/carbidopa can cause symptomatic vitamin B6 deficiency. However, this has only been described for patients who used the product in the form of an intestinal gel. CASE DESCRIPTION: We are describing 3 patients who developed vitamin B6 deficiency while using levodopa/carbidopa in tablet form. All 3 patients developed symptoms consistent with peripheral axonal polyneuropathy. CONCLUSION: The cases of our patients are providing support for the idea that oral use of levodopa/carbidopa can cause symptomatic vitamin B6 deficiency.