Prognostic indicators of subacute combined degeneration from B12 deficiency: A systematic review

Objective A systematic review was conducted on published data of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) from B12 deficiency to investigate potential prognostic indicators of final ambulatory function in affected patients. Type Systematic review. Literature Survey Records published from 1999 through 2018 were searched on the electronic databases MEDLINE, PUBMED, and SCOPUS. The publication language was restricted to English and French. Methodology Records that described cases of SCD from B12 deficiency in patients ≥16 years of age at onset were included. From a final total of 66 cases of SCD identified, ambulation scores were assigned based on the clinical descriptions reported. Patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, and ambulatory function were reported descriptively. Subanalyses on potential prognostic indicators were performed. Synthesis Greater ambulatory function at diagnosis was associated with recovery of normal ambulatory function at follow‐up (P