Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Marmoset Research - Scope and Challenges
Published on: June 9, 2023
Severe lactic acidosis in an extremely low birth weight infant due to thiamine deficiency
Hulya Ozdemir1, Hulya Bilgen2, Zeynep Alp Unkar2
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı-Marmara Üniversitesi Pendik Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Fevzi Çakmak Mah. Mimar Sinan Cad. Üstkaynarca, Pendik, Istanbul 3489, Turkey, Phone: +90 216 625 45 45/0 533 351 83 45, Fax: +90 216 657 06 95.
Background:
In this case report, we present a preterm newborn with persistent lactic acidosis who received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) that lacked thiamine.
Case Presentation:
A 28-week-old, 750 g female infant was born with an Apgar score of 8 at the 5th minute. Umbilical cord blood gas levels, including lactate level, were normal, and she was admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Achieving full enteral feeding was not possible due to gastric residues and abdominal distention, making the patient dependent on TPN during the first 2 weeks of life. An insidious increase in lactic acid levels and uncompensated metabolic acidosis were apparent from the 23rd day of life. Severe metabolic acidosis was persistent despite massive doses of bicarbonate. The acidosis resolved dramatically within 6 h when the patient was administered with thiamine.
Conclusions:
Although TPN is life saving in the NICU, meticulous attention must be paid to provide all essential macro- and micro-nutrients.
Related Concept Videos
Birth Control Methods
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...
Weighted Mean
For example, consider the number of goals scored in the matches of a tournament. While computing the average number of goals scored in the tournament, it may be more important to...
Absolute and Local Extreme Values
Atomic Weight
Mass and Weight

