Wernicke's Encephalopathy in ICU
Q: Can Wernicke's Encephalopathy be iatrogenic in ICU ?
A: Yes, it can be precipitated 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 D-5 drip in patients who are at risk of Wernicke's Encephalopathy.
Disorder was described about 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
Also full review article Wernicke's encephalopathy from Philip Salen, MD at emedicine.com
