Wernicke's encephalopathy: 'Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose'

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#alcoholism #humans #practice-guidelines-as-topic #thiamine-deficiency #wernicke-encephalopathy

Wernicke's encephalopathy: 'Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose'

Thomson et al., 2008 | Alcohol Alcohol | Systematic Review

Citation

Thomson Allan D, Cook Christopher C H, ... Marshall E Jane. Wernicke's encephalopathy: 'Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose'. Alcohol Alcohol. 2008;43(2):180-6

Abstract

AIMS: To develop clinical guidelines to identify individuals who misuse alcohol and are at risk of developing Wernicke's Encephalopathy (WE). METHOD: Non-systematic literature review of studies which includes a careful clinical record of the development of signs and symptoms of thiamine deficiency and in which the diagnosis of WE has been confirmed at autopsy. RESULTS: The review of the clinical findings in cases of WE, diagnosed at autopsy, shows a consistent pattern of signs and symptoms. The pattern appears to be similar regardless of whether the thiamine deficiency is related to nutritional problems alone or associated with alcohol misuse. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of the degree of thiamine deficiency and the diagnosis of WE remain a clinical evaluation, and guidelines are suggested to help the clinician. Since neurotoxicity due to the metabolism of excessive alcohol in patients with chronic and severe alcohol dependence may be an important factor in determining long-term outcome of treatment, this must form part of the overall evaluation.

Key Findings

The review of the clinical findings in cases of WE, diagnosed at autopsy, shows a consistent pattern of signs and symptoms. The pattern appears to be similar regardless of whether the thiamine deficiency is related to nutritional problems alone or associated with alcohol misuse.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population chronic and severe alcohol
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Alcoholism
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Thiamine Deficiency
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

  • PMID: 17959615
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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