Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2013 Apr;10(4):26-32.

Thiamine deficiency and delirium

Kenneth Osiezagha  1 , Shahid Ali, C Freeman, Narviar C Barker, Shagufta Jabeen, Sarbani Maitra, Yetunde Olagbemiro, William Richie, Rahn K Bailey
Affiliations

Thiamine deficiency and delirium

Kenneth Osiezagha et al. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Thiamine is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in cellular production of energy from ingested food and enhances normal neuronal actives. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to a very serious clinical condition known as delirium. Studies performed in the United States and other parts of the world have established the link between thiamine deficiency and delirium. This literature review examines the physiology, pathophysiology, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations (e.g., Wernicke's encephalopathy, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, structural and functional brain injuries) and diagnosis of thiamine deficiency and delirium. Current treatment practices are also discussed that may improve patient outcome, which ultimately may result in a reduction in healthcare costs.

Keywords: Kreb’s cycle; Thiamine deficiency; Wernicke’s encephalopathy; delirium.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Transportation of thiamine through the blood brain barrier
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Thiamine (TPP) in the Kreb’s cycle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Hoyumpa AM., Jr. Mechanisms of thiamin deficiency in chronic alcoholism. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(12):2750–2761. - PubMed
    1. Wohrle JC, Spengos K, Steinke W, et al. Alcohol-related acute axonal polyneuropathy: a differential diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Arch Neurol. 1998;55(10):1329–1334. - PubMed
    1. Netravathi M, Sinha S, Taly AB, et al. Hyperemesis gravidarum-induced Wernicke’s encephalopathy. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2009;39:12–128. - PubMed
    1. Isselbacher KJ, Braunwald E, Wilson JD. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1994. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Thirteeth Edition.
    1. McCormick D. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger; 1988.

LinkOut - more resources