Wernicke's encephalopathy induced by hyperemesis gravidarum

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Jun 8:2012:bcr2012006216. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006216.

Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a reversible neurological emergency caused by thiamine deficiency. Prolonged vomiting in pregnancy results in thiamine depletion. The early recognition of its clinical signs and symptoms is essential to establish the suspected diagnosis and can be confirmed by MRI. Prompt administration of thiamine is important for preventing the occurrence of sequelae in the mother and for improving the fetal prognostic. We report a case of WE induced by hyperemesis gravidarum with a good maternal and fetal outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperemesis Gravidarum / complications*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Thiamine / blood
  • Thiamine Deficiency / blood
  • Thiamine Deficiency / complications*
  • Thiamine Deficiency / diagnosis
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / diagnosis
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / etiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Thiamine