Deficiency of which vitamin can cause peripheral neuritis?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and overall nerve health.
A deficiency in Vitamin B6 classically presents with peripheral neuritis, characterized by tingling, numbness, and pain in the extremities.
This deficiency can be caused by poor diet, alcoholism, or certain medications.
A well-known cause of Vitamin B6 deficiency and subsequent neuritis is the use of Isoniazid (INH), a primary drug for treating tuberculosis. Patients on INH are often prescribed pyridoxine supplements as a preventive measure.

Option A: While severe Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency causes 'dry beriberi,' which includes a form of peripheral neuropathy (polyneuritis), it is part of a broader syndrome and not the most specific answer for isolated peripheral neuritis.
Option B: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency causes a more complex neurological condition known as subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, which affects both the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. It also causes pernicious anemia.
Option D: Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) deficiency is primarily associated with megaloblastic anemia and an increased risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy. It is not a typical cause of peripheral neuritis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the specific neurological manifestation, peripheral neuritis, resulting from a vitamin deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in identifying patients at risk for vitamin deficiencies, such as those with alcoholism, malabsorption syndromes, or those on specific medications like Isoniazid (INH).
It is a key nursing responsibility to administer prescribed vitamin supplements, like pyridoxine for patients on INH, and to educate them on the importance of adherence to prevent complications like peripheral neuritis.
Monitoring for and documenting early signs of neuropathy (e.g., tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in hands and feet) is essential for timely intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'peripheral neuritis'.
Next, recall the major deficiency syndromes associated with each of the B vitamins listed in the options.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) -> Beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) -> Pernicious anemia, subacute combined degeneration.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) -> Peripheral neuritis, anemia, seizures.
Vitamin B9 (Folate) -> Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the specific neurological manifestation, peripheral neuritis, resulting from a vitamin deficiency.
Stem keywords: Deficiency, vitamin, peripheral neuritis
Lead-in keywords: which

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 pp. 509-511, 1516-1518, 510-512

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.