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Increasing Hospitalizations for Wernicke Encephalopathy in Spain: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.
David Puertas-Miranda1,2,3, M A Ortiz-Pinto4, F Josue Cordero-Pérez2,3,5
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) hospitalizations are rising in Spain, impacting healthcare resources. Mortality is linked to overall patient complexity and comorbidities, not just WE itself.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a critical neurological condition stemming from thiamine deficiency.
- Diagnosing WE early is challenging due to the low sensitivity of its classic symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of Wernicke encephalopathy hospitalizations in Spain.
- To identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality in WE patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study using the Spanish Minimum Basic Data Set (2016-2022).
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, and economic variables, including Severity of Illness (SOI) and Risk of Mortality (ROM) using APR-DRG.
- Multivariable analysis to assess mortality predictors.
Main Results:
- A significant annual increase in WE hospital admissions (16%) was observed, with a rise in foreign-born patients.
- In-hospital mortality was 3.7%, with malnutrition, cancer, and active infection as key independent predictors.
- Risk of Mortality (ROM) categories demonstrated a strong, progressive association with increased mortality.
Conclusions:
- Wernicke encephalopathy represents a growing cause of neurological admissions in Spain, imposing significant clinical and economic burdens.
- In-hospital mortality in WE patients is primarily influenced by overall clinical complexity and comorbidities, rather than WE alone.
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