Wernicke's Encephalopathy in Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

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#humans #wernicke-encephalopathy #thiamine #thiamine-deficiency #renal-insufficiency-chronic

Wernicke's Encephalopathy in Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

Oudman et al., 2024 | J Ren Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Oudman Erik, Wijnia Jan W, ... Postma Albert. Wernicke's Encephalopathy in Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review. J Ren Nutr. 2024-Mar;34(2):105-114. doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2023.10.003

Abstract

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is relatively common in patients with kidney disease. Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is caused by vitamin B1 deficiency. Our aim was to systematically review the signs and symptoms of WE in patients with kidney disease. We conducted a systematic literature review on WE in kidney disease and recorded clinical and radiographic characteristics, treatment and outcome. In total 323 manuscripts were reviewed, which yielded 46 cases diagnosed with acute and chronic kidney disease and WE published in 37 reports. Prodromal characteristics of WE were loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Parenteral thiamine 500 mg 3 times per day often led to full recovery, while Korsakoff's syndrome was found in those receiving low doses. To prevent WE in kidney failure, we suggest administering high doses of parenteral thiamine in patients with kidney disease who present with severe malnutrition and (prodromal) signs of thiamine deficiency.

Key Findings

To prevent WE in kidney failure, we suggest administering high doses of parenteral thiamine in patients with kidney disease who present with severe malnutrition and (prodromal) signs of thiamine deficiency.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy
  • Thiamine
  • Thiamine Deficiency
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
  • Korsakoff Syndrome

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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