Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord is associated with tripterygium glycoside tablet usage.

BACKGROUND

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The lesions mainly involve the posterior cord, lateral cord, and peripheral nerves. Occasionally, the lesions also involve brain white matter and optic nerves in severe cases. Reports of drug-induced impaired absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12 resulting in SCD are scarce.

INTRODUCTION

A patient developed SCD after long-term use of tripterygium glycoside tablets in the treatment of glomerulonephritis. However, after discontinuation and vitamin B12 treatment with tripterygium glycoside tablet, the symptoms of SCD were significantly resolved.

CONCLUSION

Drug-induced SCD is a less commonly reported cause of the disease. Tripterygium glycoside tablets can induce adverse reactions in the digestive system, causing damage to absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of tripterygium glycoside tablet-induced SCD after excluding more common causes such as inadequate dietary intake and impaired absorption due to gastrointestinal diseases or genetic disorders.