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Highlights & Basics
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is the underlying cause of several clinical syndromes, including Wernicke encephalopathy, wet beriberi, and dry beriberi.
- Clinical presentation depends on the presence of comorbidities, age, and general susceptibility.
- Signs and symptoms are often nonspecific. Risk factors include alcohol dependence, malabsorption, and a diet low in thiamine.
- There is no rapid diagnostic test for the condition. Presumptive treatment with thiamine replacement therapy should be commenced immediately if vitamin B1 deficiency is suspected.
- Untreated vitamin B1 deficiency can result in neurologic deficits, the need for long-term institutional care, or death.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Day E, Bentham PW, Callaghan R, et al. Thiamine for prevention and treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome in people who abuse alcohol. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jul 1;(7):CD004033.[Abstract][Full Text]
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