Beriberi
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency syndrome with wet (high-output cardiac failure, edema), dry (peripheral neuropathy), or infantile presentations.
Historically associated with polished white rice, beriberi is now most often seen in alcoholism, bariatric surgery, prolonged parenteral nutrition without thiamine, and refeeding syndrome. Wernicke encephalopathy (confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia) and Korsakoff syndrome (anterograde amnesia, confabulation) are the central nervous system manifestations. Empirical IV thiamine (500 mg) is mandatory before glucose in any malnourished or alcoholic patient.
How each textbook covers it
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary
Classic thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency disease. Wet beriberi features high-output cardiac failure and edema; dry beriberi features peripheral neuropathy and muscle wasting. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the neurological form, common in chronic alcohol use.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 23: Thiamine
Historically associated with polished white rice, beriberi is now most often seen in alcoholism, bariatric surgery, prolonged parenteral nutrition without thiamine, and refeeding syndrome. Wernicke encephalopathy (confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia) and Korsakoff syndrome (anterograde amnesia, confabulation) are the central nervous system manifestations. Empirical IV thiamine (500 mg) is mandatory before glucose in any malnourished or alcoholic patient.
Related terms
Ataxia, Pellagra, Refeeding syndrome, Scurvy, Thiamine, Wernicke encephalopathy