Beriberi, a severe complication after metabolic surgery - review of the literature

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#bariatric-surgery #beriberi #humans #korsakoff-syndrome #obesity-morbid

Beriberi, a severe complication after metabolic surgery - review of the literature

Stroh et al., 2014 | Obes Facts | Systematic Review

Citation

Stroh Christine, Meyer Frank, Manger Thomas. Beriberi, a severe complication after metabolic surgery - review of the literature. Obes Facts. 2014;7(4):246-52. doi:10.1159/000366012

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The epidemic growth of morbid obesity has led to an increase in the number of bariatric interventions. During the distribution process of bariatric surgical interventions, the risk for severe nutritious complications such as bariatric beriberi can rise. METHODS: By means of systematic literature review, epidemiological data, clinical characteristics and diagnostic as well as therapeutic recommendations for bariatric beriberi were elicited. Databases and registries such as PubMed, Cochrane and Ovid were searched for a defined time period with the key words 'lack of thiamine' / 'Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome' / 'encephalopathy' after bariatric surgical interventions. RESULTS: Up to December 2013, overall 255 patients had been found as published cases, indicating that the risk for the postoperative occurrence of thiamine deficiency and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is increased in women. In addition, the risk correlates with patient's age. The majority of patients developed symptoms of a dry beriberi with peripheral neuritis, ataxia and paraplegia, indicating an advanced stage of disease approximately 4-12 weeks postoperatively. Laboratory analysis in case of a suspicious clinical finding is the appropriate diagnostics. As treatment, prompt initiation of parenteral thiamine substitution under clinical monitoring is required. CONCLUSION: Bariatric beriberi can occur within the first 1-3 postoperative months. To minimize the risk of severe consequences, immediate substitution of thiamine in clinical suspicion or prolonged parenteral nutrition is necessary. A delayed diagnosis or missing the correct diagnosis can lead to irreversible damages of the CNS with coma and fatal outcome. Knowledge on the subject, including development of thiamine deficiency, symptomatology and emergency treatment, are considered essential for bariatric surgeons but also for further medical disciplines involved in treatment.

Key Findings

Up to December 2013, overall 255 patients had been found as published cases, indicating that the risk for the postoperative occurrence of thiamine deficiency and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is increased in women. In addition, the risk correlates with patient's age. The majority of patients developed symptoms of a dry beriberi with peripheral neuritis, ataxia and paraplegia, indicating an advanced stage of disease approximately 4-12 weeks postoperatively. Laboratory analysis in case of a suspicio

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 255
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Beriberi
  • Humans
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Obesity, Morbid
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Thiamine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: thiamine

Provenance

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