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Vitamin B1/Thiamine Deficiency (Wernicke Encephalopathy and Beriberi)

By ULYCLINIC

Introduction

is a medical condition of low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). A severe and chronic form is known as beriberi. There are two main types in adults: wet beriberi, and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system resulting in a fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and leg swelling.

Risk Factors

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Signs and symptoms

• Confusion
• Short term memory loss
• Paralysis of one or more of the ocular muscles or ophthalmoplegia
• Nystagmus
• Ataxia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cardiac failure

Alcoholics may present with Wernicke encephalopathy, neuropathies or cardiac failure associated with multiple vitamin deficiencies.

Diagnostic criteria

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Investigations

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Managemet

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  • Non-pharmacological

    Lifestyle adjustment including discouraging of alcohol abuse.

    Dietary advice:

    To increase intake of thiamine rich foods such as:

    • Whole wheat breads, oatmeal
    • Pulses, nuts, yeast
    • Fortified cereals
    • Pork, bacon and marmite
    • Potatoes and peas

  • Pharmacological

    Peripheral neuropathy and cardiac failure

    • Thiamine, oral, 100 mg daily.

    Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    • (See on megaloblastic anaemia)

Prevention

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Updated on,

20 Novemba 2020 11:30:21

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References

    1. STG
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