The Significant Role of Consultation Psychiatrist in Preventing, Identifying and Treating Wernicke’s Encephalopathy - 09/06/15
Résumé |
Introduction |
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder which occurs as a direct result of a thiamine deficiency. Prevalence of Wernicke’s encephalopathy is 1.4-2.2 % in the general population with an increased rate in known alcoholics of 12.5 %, and 35% in alcoholics with cerebellar damage. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is missed on clinical examination in up to 75-80% of cases and only verified on autopsy. Thiamine deficiency can occur due to either alcoholic or nonalcoholic causes.
Objectives |
1. | Early and adequate intervention may prevent the development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. |
2. | Early detection of Wernicke’s encephalopathy is crucial in preventing the severe neuropsychiatric complications that may result. |
3. | Aggressive treatment with high dose thiamine may reverse symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy and prevent the progression to Korsakoff’s syndrome. |
Aims |
1. | Adequate and early prevention and treatment reduces morbidity and mortality associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy. |
2. | Proper medical intervention significantly decreases the length of stay. |
3. | By preventing progress of Wernicke’s encephalopathy to Korsakoff syndrome, the cost of care can be significantly diminished. |
Methods |
We present a case series of patients with Wernicke’s encephalopathy that were identified and treated by consultation-liaison psychiatrist and review of relevant literature.
Results |
Seven patients were diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathy. All patients were aggressively treated with high dose IV thiamine. All patients improved and were discharged in a stable condition. None of them progressed to Korsakoff.
Conclusions |
The role of psychiatry in preventing, identifying, treating Wernicke’s encephalopathy and educating the primary team had significant impact on improving patient’s care and prognosis.
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Vol 30 - N° S1
P. 404 - mars 2015 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Efficacy of Neurocognitive Remediation Therapy During an Acute Depressive Episode and Following Remission: Results From Two Randomised Pilot Studies
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- A. Azbarova
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