Q: Can Wernicke's Encephalopathy be iatrogenic in ICU ?
A: Yes, it can be precipitate in any patient by glucose (like D-5, D-10 or D-50) administration who is thiamine deficient. It is not limited to alcoholics and can happen in any nutritionally deficient patient. It is always a good idea to add thiamine in glucose drip in patients who are at risk of Wernicke's Encephalopathy. Disorder was described 25 years ago by Carl Wernicke as a triad of
- acute mental confusion
- ataxia
- opthalmoplegia
Read a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy. in a non-alcoholic patient with MRI findings here (Ref.: The New England Journal of Medicine, Kaineg and Hudgins 352 (19): e18, May 12, 2005)
Also full review article Wernicke's encephalopathy at emedicine.com
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