Loss of Vision: A Rare Presentation In Hyperemesis Gravidarum Induced Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

10.5580/2b22 ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 004947552110143
Author(s):  
Makarand Anil Rane ◽  
Hari Kishan Boorugu ◽  
Usha Ravishankar ◽  
S Tarakeswari ◽  
Hemamalini Vadlamani ◽  
...  

Whilst nausea affects around 80% of pregnant women, hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme form of the same, affects only 0.5% to 3%, but may lead to severe nutritional deficiency. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder which occurs due to thiamine deficiency and needs emergency treatment to prevent neurological morbidity and mortality. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is characterised by a clinical triad of oculomotor abnormalities, cerebellar dysfunction and altered mental state. Korsakoff’s psychosis is a chronic condition and consequence of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, resulting from its delayed treatment. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a well-known complication of chronic alcohol abuse. Not many are aware of its association with hyperemesis gravidarum. Although it is a rare complication, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, it may result in permanent and irreversible neurological sequelae. The objective of our retrospective observational study was to analyse the clinical profile and outcome (short and long term) in a rare yet preventable complication of pregnancy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e239977
Author(s):  
Kaushiki Kirty ◽  
Yashendu Sarda ◽  
Annu Jacob ◽  
Delanthabettu Venugopala

We report a case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman, who presented with subacute limb weakness. This was initially suspected to be Guillain-Barre syndrome but subsequently found to be the motor neuropathy of dry beriberi (vitamin B1, thiamine deficiency) along with associated Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE). The underlying cause was revealed as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). HG complicates up to 3% of pregnancies and if severe, without nutritional supplements, may lead to electrolyte disturbances, calorie loss and vitamin deficiency. Although the association of HG and WE was first reported in 1939, it remains an under diagnosed condition with potential for serious and permanent neurological deficits, and some mortality, in both mother and baby. Early recognition of the problem, with timely and careful fluid, electrolyte, glucose and vitamin replacement is needed to avoid complications. We highlight current best practice in the treatment of WE. An open mind to the possibility of HG complications in any pregnant woman presenting with neurological symptoms is probably the most important lesson to learn from the front line.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-200
Author(s):  
Roshan Shah ◽  
Isabelle Malhamé ◽  
Mariam Fayek ◽  
Alisa Merolli ◽  
Niharika Mehta

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a complication of pregnancy associated with severe nausea and vomiting that can lead to fluid-electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a neurologic manifestation of acute thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. We describe a case of hyperemesis gravidarum presenting with gait ataxia and nystagmus which led to a diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.


2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Seung Hyun Lee ◽  
Se Jin Lee ◽  
Yun Kyung Lee ◽  
Jung Sang Ha ◽  
Jun Lee

2013 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 39-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panee Sutamnartpong ◽  
Sombat Muengtaweepongsa ◽  
Kongkiat Kulkantrakorn

ABSTRACTA pregnant woman, who had been suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, presented with alteration of consciousness, ocular nystagmus and ataxia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain showed typical findings of Wernicke’s encephalopathy and central pontine myelinolysis. The clinical features responded dramatically to thiamine supplementation.


Author(s):  
Noorazizah Arsad ◽  
Kah Teik Chew ◽  
Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani ◽  
Hui Jan Tan ◽  
Norasyikin A. Wahab ◽  
...  

AbstractWernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a rare life-threatening complication following severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Early recognition of this condition and prompt thiamine administration is the key to preventing devastating sequelae. We report a successful delivery of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) baby by a patient with WE and thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy.


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