[Wernicke's encephalopathy as a complication of chronic hemodialysis: report of one case].

Abstract

Wernicke encephalopathy, due to the depletion of thiamine, can be a complication of chronic hemodialysis. We report a 43 years old diabetic male in chronic hemodialysis, who two weeks after an infra-condyleal amputation of his left leg, was admitted to the hospital due to an episode of vomiting and abdominal pain lasting 5 days, where confusion and ocular motor signs appeared. Parenteral thiamine administration was started and the confusional state abated. Dialysis can be a predisposing factor for Wernicke encephalopathy and this diagnosis must be considered in confused patients.

• Authors: E Sandoval, H Borja, A Gatica
• Journal: Revista medica de Chile (Rev Med Chil) Vol. 125 Issue 5 Pg. 582-5 (May 1997) ISSN: 0034-9887 [Print] Chile
• Vernacular Title: Encefalopatía de Wernicke como complicación de hemodiálisis crónica: caso clínico.
• PMID: 9497581 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Thiamine

Topics

• Adult
• Humans
• Male
• Renal Dialysis (adverse effects)
• Thiamine (therapeutic use)
• Thiamine Deficiency (complications, drug therapy)
• Wernicke Encephalopathy (etiology)