Wernicke encephalopathy in subjects undergoing restrictive weight loss surgery: a systematic review of literature data

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #bariatric-surgery #dietary-supplements #female #humans

Wernicke encephalopathy in subjects undergoing restrictive weight loss surgery: a systematic review of literature data

Milone et al., 2014 | Eur Eat Disord Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Milone Marco, Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario, ... Musella Mario. Wernicke encephalopathy in subjects undergoing restrictive weight loss surgery: a systematic review of literature data. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2014-Jul;22(4):223-9. doi:10.1002/erv.2292

Abstract

The use of weight loss surgery is progressively increasing, and in recent years, restrictive bariatric surgery procedures have been more often used. Although thought to be associated with a lower incidence of post-operative side effects than malabsorpitive surgery, some cases of micronutrients deficiency have been reported because of an acquired thiamine deficiency; in this clinical setting, some cases of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) have been described. Major determinants and predictors of this major neurological complication are currently unknown. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse literature data in order to address this issue. The main result of our systematic review was that persistent vomiting is the major determinant of WE in patients undergoing restrictive weight loss surgery. In addition, early thiamine supplementation can rapidly improve the clinical conditions, avoiding permanent deficiencies. On the other hand, given the wide variability of clinical and demographic characteristics, definite prognostic factors of WE occurrence and of clinical outcome cannot be identified. In conclusion, although our results are suggestive, further ad hoc prospective studies evaluating changes in micronutrients levels according to different types of surgery are needed.

Key Findings

In conclusion, although our results are suggestive, further ad hoc prospective studies evaluating changes in micronutrients levels according to different types of surgery are needed.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Thiamine
  • Vomiting
  • Weight Loss
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: thiamine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09