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Wernicke's Encephalopthy Associated with Hyperemesis Gravidarum - A Case Report
Wahinuddin Sulaiman1, Azerin Othman, Monniaty Mohamad
1Department of Medicine, Hospital Kota Bharu, 15586 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS
|July 31, 2012
Summary
Wernicke
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
- Wernicke's encephalopathy is a serious neurological condition.
- HG can lead to thiamine deficiency, a risk factor for Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Observation:
- Two cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy in pregnant patients with hyperemesis gravidarum are presented.
- Clinical presentations included papilledema, altered sensorium, retinal hemorrhages, ophthalmoplegia, and nystagmus.
- Diagnosis was clinical due to lack of laboratory facilities for thiamine metabolite measurement.
Findings:
- Wernicke's encephalopathy is a rare but treatable complication of hyperemesis gravidarum.
- Diagnostic uncertainty due to limited diagnostic tools can delay treatment.
- Delayed treatment can result in irreversible neurological damage and mortality.
Implications:
- Early clinical recognition of Wernicke's encephalopathy in HG is crucial.
- Prompt thiamine supplementation is vital for preventing severe neurological sequelae.
- Increased awareness and accessible diagnostic methods for thiamine deficiency in HG are needed.
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