Descriptive spectrum of thiamine deficiency in pregnancy: A potentially preventable condition.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy, a nutritionally demanding situation in terms of macro- and micronutrient supply owing to heightened maternal, placental, and fetal needs, significantly affects thiamine reserves. Thiamine deficiency during pregnancy and the postpartum period, presenting with varied manifestations and outcomes, is a relatively common condition in our population. The study aimed to understand the various manifestations and outcomes of acute thiamine deficiency in pregnant and postpartum women, emphasizing the significance of early recognition and thiamine therapy to prevent serious complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. METHODS: This prospective study conducted in a tertiary care center in North India enrolled consecutive pregnant and postpartum women presenting with clinical features consistent with thiamine deficiency disorders, such as thiamine deficiency-related neuropathy, high-output heart failure, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, Wernicke's encephalopathy, gastric beriberi, and thiamine-responsive acute pulmonary hypertension. In addition to capturing medical history including drug intake, dietary consumption, and comorbidities, women underwent brief relevant clinical examinations and laboratory assessments, including whole-blood thiamine levels. Response to intravenous thiamine supplementation was also monitored. RESULTS: Data of 31 women (12 pregnant, 19 postpartum) with a diagnosis of acute thiamine deficiency and a mean age of 28.88 ± 2.69 years were analyzed. The mean thiamine level was 1.28 ± 0.44 µg/dL with mean blood lactate of 3.46 ± 3.33. The most common presentation was gastric beriberi (n = 10), followed by paraparesis (n = 6), high-output heart failure (n = 6), acute pulmonary hypertension, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n = 3 each), and an acute confusional state (n = 2). All patients responded to thiamine challenge. CONCLUSION: In the context of borderline thiamine status, particularly in our population with endemic thiamine deficiency and heightened demand for thiamine during pregnancy and the peripartum period, the deficiency can have varied and serious manifestations of dry and wet beriberi. Early recognition of the clinical features and thiamine therapy can be life-saving. There is a need for validated clinical criteria owing to the non-availability of thiamine testing in resource-limited settings.

Wernicke encephalopathy: limitations in a laboratory and radiological diagnosis.

Wernicke encephalopathy is an emergent neurological disorder caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Here, we present a case of Wernicke encephalopathy in a male patient in his 70s with normal serum thiamine levels and MRI findings on admission. He had a history of heavy alcohol consumption and a gradual decrease in food intake. On arrival at the hospital, his consciousness was impaired which persisted even after glucose replacement. Moreover, horizontal nystagmus and cerebellar ataxia were observed. Head CT scan and MRI revealed no abnormal findings. Further, his serum thiamine level was within the normal range. The patient was clinically diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy, and high-dose thiamine therapy was started. Then, his symptoms improved immediately. Thus, in case of clinical suspicion, treatment for Wernicke encephalopathy must be initiated promptly even in patients with normal serum thiamine levels.

Pulmonary artery catheter usage in diagnosis of Shoshin beriberi presented with unexplained lactic acidosis.

Wet beriberi is a rare but fatal disease in modern society. The nonspecific clinical manifestations, including symptoms of heart failure and recalcitrant lactic acidosis, can prevent timely diagnosis. The use of a pulmonary artery catheter can promptly confirm a high cardiac output state and plays a crucial role in rapidly deteriorating cases. Appropriate treatment with intravenous administration of thiamine leads to dramatic recovery within hours. We present two cases of Shoshin beriberi, a fulminant variant of wet beriberi, diagnosed in 2016 and 2022 at our institute. The patients experienced haemodynamic collapse and refractory lactic acidosis, which were successfully diagnosed with the use of a pulmonary artery catheter and reversed by thiamine supplementation. We also reviewed 19 cases of wet beriberi reported between 2010 and 2022.

Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi disease presenting as STEMI-equivalent.

Thiamine deficiency is commonly associated with malnutrition, alcoholism and bariatric surgery. Thiamine deficiency can manifest in different ways, especially in developing countries: as peripheric neuropathy, as Wernicke encephalopathy or as beriberi disease. The authors present the case of a 72-year-old male, with a hiatal hernia that led to thiamine deficiency due to malnutrition. The initial clinical manifestation was an ST-elevation myocardial infarct equivalent, an ECG with a shark-fin pattern that evolved to a Wellens type B pattern. The patient evolved with severe altered mental status. A Wernicke encephalopathy diagnosis was confirmed by MRI; the patient was medicated with high-dose thiamine, with quick recovery, both neurologic and cardiac. The clinical history and response to treatment confirm the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi disease.

Raise vigilance against refractory distributive shock due to severe wet beriberi.

Differentiating the type and cause of shock is crucial for intensive care. The rapid aggravation of lactic acidosis in patients often indicates a severe impairment of oxygen uptake in tissues. Herein, we presented a rare case of refractory distributive shock with severe wet beriberi. A 40-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with recurrent chest tightness and lower extremity edema. The condition of the patient continued to deteriorate after symptomatic treatments. After several turnovers, the medical history of the patient was requested again and finally obtained. Our emergency management team hypothesized that the thiamine-deficient diet caused an aerobic metabolism disorder in the patient. Overall, we aimed to alert clinicians to unusual causes of distributive shock and further discussed the application of thiamine supplementary therapy in critical care.

Shoshin beriberi and thiamine-responsive right heart failure: A case report in Mayotte Recognition and management of infant Shoshin beriberi.

Infant Shoshin beriberi is an acute life-threatening condition for which the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Therefore, rapid recognition of right heart failure with lactic acidemia is a crucial element in the diagnosis and therapeutic management. We present the case of a 2-month-old girl with bronchiolitis, right heart failure, and lactic acidosis, who quickly and favorably responded to thiamine supplementation. Thiamine deficiency was established through laboratory tests. We present a brief review of the literature with the different thiamine dosages proposed in emergencies and provide an emergency protocol in cases of clinical suspicion, since thiamine supplementation could help to speed up recovery in infants with Shoshin beriberi.

[Takaki Kanehiro and the diet experiments of beriberi in navy in modern Japan].

Beriberi is a disease caused by insufficiency vitamin B1 in the body which, if untreated, can cause death. It was the disease with the highest incidence in the Japanese army during the Meiji and Taisho Periods. It was treated with a variety of therapeutic treatments by the Navy and the Army respectively, based on the different therapy systems of Britain and Germany at the time, with an argument about these treatments lasting more than half a century. Eventually, the Navy experimented with dietary modification for beriberi, according to Takagi Kanehiro, successfully reducing beriberi incidence to zero. This rewrote the epidemic history of beriberi in the Japanese Navy.

Critical vitamin deficiencies in autism spectrum disorder: Reversible and irreversible outcomes.

Vitamin deficiencies are an emerging concern in the management of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Particular attention is required for recognizing the variable signs caused by unbalanced food intakes. We herein report two patients with multiple vitamin deficiencies who needed critical care showing different prognoses. Patient 1 with 'Shoshin' beriberi presenting with cardiac arrest had thiamine deficiency developed severe neurological sequelae despite rapid vitamin supplementation. Patient 2, who had leg pain and a limping gait, showed a rapid recovery with intravenous infusion and tube feeding after being diagnosed with scurvy. A literature search revealed several children with ASD with critically ill thiamine deficiency, but few reports documented a life-threatening condition in the form of cardiac arrest at the onset. Considering the high observation rate of food selectivity in children with ASD, early intervention is required to prevent the exacerbation of vitamin deficiencies to severe neurological disabilities.

Cardiac Dysfunction Due to Thiamine Deficiency after Hemodialysis for Biguanide-related Lactic Acidosis.

Biguanide is an ideal drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. When used appropriately, the incidence of lactic acidosis is reported to be very low. Risk factors associated with biguanide-related lactic acidosis include chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, alcohol use, severe dehydration, shock, hypoxic states, sepsis, and advanced age. We herein report a case of cardiac dysfunction due to thiamine deficiency after hemodialysis in a patient with suspected biguanide-related lactic acidosis. Patients who develop severe lactic acidosis while taking biguanides should be given a large dose of thiamine without delay, given the possibility of thiamine deficiency as a complication.

Thiamine-responsive, life-threatening, pulmonary hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy in young infants: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency (TD), although reduced in incidence, is still seen in infants. We describe a rarely reported form of infantile TD with life-threatening pulmonary hypertensive crisis and severe encephalopathy, with dramatic response to thiamine supplementation. METHODS: Study design: Descriptive case series. Six young infants with mean age 76 days (range 1-3 months), manifesting rapidly progressive encephalopathy and cardio-pulmonary arrest were included. All infants underwent cardiac, neuroimaging and metabolic evaluations. RESULTS: All six infants had similar presentation with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), hypotensive shock, metabolic acidosis and severe encephalopathy. All infants were exclusively breast-fed. Thiamine treatmwnt resulted in dramatic improvement in haemodynamic and neurological function in all the infants. There were no major neurological deficits on follow up. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion is warranted for this rarely described form of TD, as early identification helps in preventing mortality and morbidity.

Síntese de evidências para políticas de saúde: enfrentando o beribéri em terras indígenas / Evidence synthesis for health policy: tackling beriberi among brazilian indigenous peoples

Esta síntese de evidências foi construída por meio de consulta a atores-chave relacionados ao tema. A Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena (Sesai) do Ministério da Saúde foi consultada em reuniões periódicas, ao longo do desenvolvimento da pesquisa, de modo a melhor definir o tema e o enfoque da síntese.

Síntese de evidências para políticas de saúde: enfrentando o beribéri em terras indígenas / Synthesis of evidence for health policies: tackling beriberi in indigenous lands

O beribéri é uma doença com diferentes subtipos, causada pela deficiência de tiamina (vitamina B1), que, apesar de fácil tratamento, pode levar ao óbito (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 1999). No Brasil, os casos mais recentes ocorreram a partir de 2006, ano em que se somaram 40 óbitos notificados no estado do Maranhão (PADILHA et al., 2011). Nos anos subsequentes, novos casos foram notificados nos estados de Tocantins e Roraima (BRASIL, 2018; CERRONI et al., 2010). Tendo em vista que, historicamente, no Brasil, essa deficiência está relacionada a condições de miséria (FRUTUOSO, 2010), observa-se que grande parte dos surtos atuais se conecta a condições de pobreza e fome, além da relação com a alimentação monótona, baseada em arroz polido e no consumo elevado de carboidratos simples. Alguns grupos populacionais têm maior risco de serem acometidos pela deficiência, tais como: alcoolistas, gestantes, crianças e pessoas que exercem atividade física extenuante (BRASIL, 2012). O agravo entre os povos indígenas, representando 84,5% dos casos confirmados notificados, no Brasil, entre 2014 e 2016, é de importante preocupação devido tanto às vulnerabilidades específicas dessa população quanto aos desafios de identificação e tratamento oportunos da doença (ALVES, 2017). Opções para enfrentar o problema: Opção 1 ­ Suplementação de tiamina (vitamina B1): Esta opção envolve tanto a suplementação oral de tiamina e de outras vitaminas B (DAY et al., 2013; HUTCHEON, 2015; JAIN et al., 2015; JULIAN et al., 2019; KOH et al., 2015; STROH; MEYER; MANGER, 2014), incluindo tanto a administração parenteral, em casos mais graves de desnutrição (HUTCHEON, 2015), quanto a administração intramuscular ou intravenosa de tiamina pelas equipes de saúde, em casos de suspeita de sintomas de beribéri (HUTCHEON, 2015). Devido à dificuldade de confirmação do diagnóstico de beribéri, adotar suplementação oral de tiamina, de modo a garantir as doses necessárias da vitamina entre populações mais vulneráveis à insegurança alimentar, pode prevenir a doença, bem como diversas outras condições relacionadas à insuficiência de vitamina B1. Opção 2 ­ Intervenções junto a pessoas que fazem uso prejudicial de álcool: Esta opção descreve intervenções voltadas à melhoria das condições nutricionais e à prevenção de doenças como o beribéri e neuropatias junto a populações vulneráveis para o uso de álcool. Foram identificadas intervenções de educação e orientação, que englobaram desde entrevistas motivacionais pelo telefone até sessões educativas de um ou mais dias, intervenções multicomponentes (IJAZ et al., 2018) e intervenções de abstinência do álcool (JULIAN et al., 2018). As intervenções de abstinência foram efetivas para melhorar parcialmente os sintomas sensoriais, todavia não reverteram o quadro por completo (JULIAN et al., 2019). Considerações gerais acerca das opções propostas: As opções de intervenção sugeridas nesta síntese, apesar de estarem descritas de modo separado, podem ser complementares entre si e exigem uma ação intersetorial e integrada localmente. A implementação das opções deve considerar a participação de diferentes atores, como tomadores de decisão, profissionais da saúde pública e representantes dos povos indígenas. Além disso, devem ser avaliados os diferentes contextos, incluindo as diferentes responsabilidades entre as esferas de governo (federal, estadual e municipal), as áreas de conhecimento específicas e os limites técnicos dos diferentes profissionais envolvidos. Outro ponto importante a ser analisado é a disponibilidade de recursos humanos e financeiros, adaptando as intervenções às diferentes realidades, bem como verificando a possível provisão dos dispositivos necessários. Em determinadas situações, a ampliação e a capacitação da equipe serão imprescindíveis para o sucesso da adesão às opções propostas.

Beriberi is a disease with different subtypes, caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which, despite easy treatment, can lead to death (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 1999). In Brazil, the most recent cases occurred from 2006, when 40 deaths were reported in the state of Maranhão (PADILHA et al., 2011). In subsequent years, new cases were reported in the states of Tocantins and Roraima (BRASIL, 2018; CERRONI et al., 2010). Given that, historically in Brazil, this deficiency is related to conditions of misery (FRUTUOSO, 2010), it is observed that much of the current outbreaks connect to conditions of poverty and hunger, in addition to the relationship with monotonous diet, based on polished rice and high consumption of simple carbohydrates. Some population groups have a higher risk of being affected by the deficiency, such as alcoholics, pregnant women, children and people who exercise strenuous physical activity (BRASIL, 2012). The aggravation among indigenous peoples, representing 84.5% of the confirmed cases notified, in Brazil, between 2014 and 2016, is of important concern due to both the specific vulnerabilities of this population and the challenges of timely identification and treatment of the disease (ALVES, 2017). Options to address the problem: Option 1 - Thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation: This option involves both oral supplementation of thiamine and other B vitamins (DAY et al., 2013; HUTCHEON, 2015; JAIN et al., 2015; JULIAN et al., 2019; KOH et al, 2015; STROH; MEYER; MANGER, 2014), including both parenteral administration in more severe cases of malnutrition (HUTCHEON, 2015) and intramuscular or intravenous administration of thiamine by health care teams in cases of suspected beriberi symptoms (HUTCHEON, 2015). Due to the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis of beriberi, adopting oral thiamine supplementation to ensure the necessary doses of the vitamin among populations most vulnerable to food insecurity may prevent the disease as well as several other conditions related to vitamin B1 insufficiency. Option 2 - Interventions for people who are harmful users of alcohol: This option describes interventions aimed at improving nutritional status and preventing diseases such as beriberi and neuropathies among populations vulnerable to alcohol use. Education and guidance interventions were identified, ranging from motivational interviewing over the phone to one- or multi-day educational sessions, multicomponent interventions (IJAZ et al., 2018), and alcohol abstinence interventions (JULIAN et al., 2018). The abstinence interventions were effective in partially improving sensory symptoms, but did not completely reverse the condition (JULIAN et al., 2019). General considerations about the proposed options: The intervention options suggested in this synthesis, although described separately, may be complementary to each other and require intersectoral and locally integrated action. The implementation of the options should consider the participation of different stakeholders such as decision-makers, public health professionals and indigenous peoples' representatives. In addition, the different contexts must be evaluated, including the different responsibilities between the spheres of government (federal, state, and municipal), the specific areas of knowledge, and the technical limits of the different professionals involved. Another important point to be analyzed is the availability of human and financial resources, adapting the interventions to the different realities, as well as verifying the possible provision of the necessary devices. In certain situations, the expansion and training of the team will be essential for the successful adherence to the proposed options.

El beriberi es una enfermedad con diferentes subtipos, causada por la carencia de tiamina (vitamina B1), que, a pesar de su fácil tratamiento, puede conducir a la muerte (ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DE LA SALUD, 1999). En Brasil, los casos más recientes ocurrieron a partir de 2006, cuando se registraron 40 muertes en el estado de Maranhão (PADILHA et al., 2011). En años posteriores, se notificaron nuevos casos en los estados de Tocantins y Roraima (BRASIL, 2018; CERRONI et al., 2010). Dado que, históricamente en Brasil, esta deficiencia se relaciona con condiciones de miseria (FRUTUOSO, 2010), se observa que gran parte de los brotes actuales se conectan a condiciones de pobreza y hambre, además de la relación con dieta monótona, basada en arroz pulido y alto consumo de carbohidratos simples. Algunos grupos de la población tienen mayor riesgo de ser afectados por la deficiencia, como los alcohólicos, las embarazadas, los niños y las personas que realizan actividades físicas extenuantes (BRASIL, 2012). El agravio entre los pueblos indígenas, que representan el 84,5% de los casos confirmados notificados, en Brasil, entre 2014 y 2016, es de importante preocupación debido tanto a las vulnerabilidades específicas de esta población como a los desafíos de identificación y tratamiento oportunos de la enfermedad (ALVES, 2017). Opciones para abordar el problema: Opción 1 - Suplementos de tiamina (vitamina B1): Esta opción implica tanto la suplementación oral de tiamina como de otras vitaminas del grupo B (DAY et al., 2013; HUTCHEON, 2015; JAIN et al., 2015; JULIAN et al., 2019; KOH et al, 2015; STROH; MEYER; MANGER, 2014), incluyendo tanto la administración parenteral en casos más graves de malnutrición (HUTCHEON, 2015) como la administración intramuscular o intravenosa de tiamina por parte de los equipos sanitarios en casos de sospecha de síntomas de beriberi (HUTCHEON, 2015). Dada la dificultad de confirmar el diagnóstico de beriberi, la administración de suplementos orales de tiamina para garantizar las dosis necesarias de la vitamina entre las poblaciones más vulnerables a la inseguridad alimentaria puede prevenir la enfermedad, así como varias otras afecciones relacionadas con la insuficiencia de vitamina B1. Opción 2 - Intervenciones para las personas que consumen alcohol de forma nociva: Esta opción describe las intervenciones destinadas a mejorar el estado nutricional y prevenir enfermedades como el beriberi y las neuropatías entre las poblaciones vulnerables al consumo de alcohol. Se identificaron intervenciones de educación y orientación, desde entrevistas motivacionales por teléfono hasta sesiones educativas de uno o varios días, intervenciones multicomponente (IJAZ et al., 2018) e intervenciones de abstinencia de alcohol (JULIAN et al., 2018). Las intervenciones de abstinencia fueron eficaces para mejorar parcialmente los síntomas sensoriales, pero no revirtieron completamente la afección (JULIAN et al., 2019). Consideraciones generales sobre las opciones propuestas: Las opciones de intervención sugeridas en esta síntesis, aunque se describen por separado, pueden ser complementarias entre sí y requieren una actuación intersectorial y localmente integrada. La aplicación de las opciones debe tener en cuenta la participación de las distintas partes interesadas, como los responsables de la toma de decisiones, los profesionales de la salud pública y los representantes de los pueblos indígenas. Además, deben evaluarse los distintos contextos, incluidas las diferentes responsabilidades entre las esferas gubernamentales (federal, estatal y municipal), las áreas específicas de conocimiento y los límites técnicos de los distintos profesionales implicados. Otro punto importante a analizar es la disponibilidad de recursos humanos y financieros, adaptando las intervenciones a las diferentes realidades, así como verificando la posible dotación de los dispositivos necesarios. En determinadas situaciones, la ampliación y la formación del equipo serán esenciales para el éxito de las opciones propuestas.

Pediatric thiamine deficiency disorders in high-income countries between 2000 and 2020: a clinical reappraisal.

Often thought to be a nutritional issue limited to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), pediatric thiamine deficiency (PTD) is perceived as being eradicated or anecdotal in high-income countries (HICs). In HICs, classic beriberi cases in breastfed infants by thiamine-deficient mothers living in disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions are thought to be rare. This study aims to assess PTD in HICs in the 21st century. Literature searches were conducted to identify case reports of PTD observed in HICs and published between 2000 and 2020. The analyzed variables were age, country, underlying conditions, clinical manifestations of PTD, and response to thiamine supplementation. One hundred and ten articles were identified, totaling 389 PTD cases that were classified into four age groups: neonates, infants, children, and adolescents. Eleven categories of PTD-predisposing factors were identified, including genetic causes, lifestyle (diabetes, obesity, and excessive consumption of sweetened beverages), eating disorders, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders/surgeries, critical illness, and artificial nutrition. TD-associated hyperlactatemia and Wernicke encephalopathy were the most frequent clinical manifestations. The circumstances surrounding PTD in HICs differ from classic PTD observed in LMICs and this study delineates its mutiple predisposing factors. Further studies are required to estimate its magnitude. Awareness is of utmost importance in clinical practice.

A BERIBERI UNHEALTHY LATTE: ENCEPHALOPATHY AND SHOCK FROM SEVERE NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY.

BACKGROUND: Thiamine deficiency is an uncommon cause of severe illness in the United States that can lead to significant morbidity because of high-output cardiac failure, peripheral neuropathy, and permanent neurologic impairment. We report the case of a middle-aged woman with extreme malnutrition caused by complications of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery who presented with signs and symptoms of severe thiamine deficiency and septic shock. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old woman who had undergone RYGB surgery and who had multiple complications presented to the emergency department with agitation, confusion, and lethargy. The physical examination revealed an obtunded woman appearing much older than her reported age with significant peripheral edema. She was hypoxemic, hypotensive, and febrile. The initial laboratory analysis revealed a serum lactate level above the measurable limit, a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone, and elevated levels of troponin and brain natriuretic peptide. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed high-output heart failure. The patient's family later revealed that for the past year her diet had consisted almost exclusively of frozen blended lattes. High doses of thiamine and folate were started. Her shock, hyperlactatemia, and respiratory failure resolved by hospital day 3 and her encephalopathy resolved soon thereafter. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?: Thiamine deficiency is a rare but reversible cause of shock, heart failure, and encephalopathy. Identifying patients who are at risk for severe nutritional deficiencies may aid in more rapid treatment with relatively benign medications with little downside, in this case high-dose vitamin B1, and ultimately improve patient-oriented outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, and hospital length of stay.

Case of hypoactive delirium precipitated by thiamine deficiency.

Thiamine is an essential cofactor in the process of nucleic acid synthesis. Neuronal tissues are especially sensitive to thiamine deficiency, manifesting as Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE). The typical triad of WE, encephalopathy, oculomotor dysfunction and gait ataxia, is only present in less than one-third of the cases. We present the case of a middle-aged man with hypoactive delirium due to presumed thiamine deficiency, who had a prolonged hospital course and a delayed diagnosis of the cause of altered mental status. The presentation of this disorder solely as a decreased level of consciousness is uncommon but has been reported in the literature. It is essential to recognise WE as a treatable condition that may manifest only as a hypoactive delirium. The delay in the diagnosis and treatment may lead to coma and death.

The rediscovery of thiamine deficiency disorders at a secondary level mission hospital in Northeast India.

In this article, we report the different presentations of thiamine deficiency disorders seen at a remote rural mission hospital in Northeast India, including investigations, treatment, and recovery. Two case studies, one of an infant with cardiac beriberi and the other of a nonalcoholic adult presenting with peripheral neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and metabolic acidosis and responding to thiamine supplementation, are described in detail. We share our experience with these clinical entities over the past two decades, including recent research and lessons learned, and suggest ways forward to identify at-risk populations in Northeast India, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and promote preventive public health strategies.

Non-alcoholic beriberi, Wernicke encephalopathy and long-term eating disorder: case report and a mini-review.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, reports of beriberi are rare in developed countries. Wernicke encephalopathy may be present in about 25% of patients with beriberi. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a woman with history of depression and chronic eating disorder, who complained Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi. Sural nerve and muscular biopsy were performed, showing severe axonal neuropathy. Thiamine supplementation was started with rapid improvement of the pulmonary and cardiac affections; improvement of peripheral neuropathy was incomplete. CONCLUSIONS: Thiamine deficiency can be misdiagnosed. Beriberi is an important cause of acute flaccid paralysis; hence, clinicians should consider this diagnosis and prompt start thiamine treatment to avoid permanent neurological sequelae.

Comparison of Thiamin Diphosphate High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Erythrocyte Transketolase Assays for Evaluating Thiamin Status in Malaria Patients without Beriberi.

Thiamin deficiency, or beriberi, is an increasingly re-recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Thiamin status has traditionally been measured through the erythrocyte activation assay (ETKA) or basal transketolase activity (ETK), which indirectly measure thiamin diphosphate (TDP). Thiamin diphosphate can also be measured directly by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which may allow a more precise estimation of thiamin status. We compared the direct measurement of TDP by HPLC with basal ETK activity and ETKA in 230 patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in rural southern Laos without overt clinical beriberi, as part of a trial of thiamin supplementation. Admission thiamin status measured by basal ETK activity and ETKA (α) were compared with thiamin status assessed by the measurement of TDP by HPLC. 55% of 230 included patients were male, and the median age was 10 (range 0.5-73) years. Using α ≥ 25% as the gold standard of thiamin deficiency, the sensitivity of TDP < 275 ng/gHb as a measure of thiamin deficiency was 68.5% (95% CI: 54.4-80.5%), with specificity of 60.8 (95% CI: 53.2-68.1%). There was a significant inverse correlation between the results of the two tests (Kendall's tau = -0.212, P < 0.001). Basal ETK activity was also significantly positively correlated with TDP levels (Kendall's tau = 0.576, P < 0.001). Thiamin diphosphate measurement may have a role in measuring thiamin levels in clinical settings. Further studies evaluating TDP concentration in erythrocytes with basal ETK activity and ETKA (α) in beriberi patients would help establish comparative values of these assays.

Pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of beriberi after gastric surgery.

Beriberi is a nutritional complication of gastric surgery, caused by deficiency of vitamin B1, or thiamine. Thiamine deficiency leads to impaired glucose metabolism, decreased delivery of oxygen by red blood cells, cardiac dysfunction, failure of neurotransmission, and neuronal death. This review describes the history and pathophysiology of beriberi as well as the relationship between beriberi and nutritional deficiencies after gastric surgery. A literature review of the history and pathophysiology of beriberi and the risk factors for thiamine deficiency, particularly after gastric resection or bariatric surgery, was performed. Recommendations for nutritional follow-up post gastric surgery are based on current national guidelines. Patients may have subclinical thiamine deficiency after upper gastrointestinal surgery, and thus beriberi may be precipitated by acute illness such as sepsis or poor dietary intake. This may occur very soon or many years after gastrectomy or bariatric surgery, even in apparently well-nourished patients. Prompt recognition and administration of supplemental thiamine can decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with beriberi. Dietary education post surgery and long-term follow-up to determine nutritional status, including vitamin and mineral assessment, is recommended for patients who undergo gastric surgery.

Thiamine Deficiency in a Nondrinker and Secondary Pulmonary Edema after Thiamine Replenishment.

A 48-year-old man was brought to our emergency room with acute abdominal pain and systemic edema, indicating acute circulatory failure with lactic acidosis. Furosemide treatment paradoxically worsened the systemic edema and induced confusion. He had no drinking history but hardly ate legumes or meats containing thiamine. Administration of fursultiamine dramatically improved the symptoms and subsequently caused pulmonary edema. Thiamine deficiency may occur in nondrinkers with an unbalanced diet. In this condition, diuretic therapy can worsen the symptoms before thiamine supplementation by promoting the flushing of water-soluble vitamins but is needed for the management of secondary pulmonary edema after thiamine replenishment.