Wernicke Encephalopathy Following Prolonged Intravenous Therapy

Abstract

Two nonalcoholic patients who were maintained for extended periods on intravenous fluids manifested the morphologic expressions of Wernicke encephalopathy. A thiamine-deficiency state was not suspected and vitamins were never administered. These cases emphasize the consequences of this disorder and the rapidity with which the state of thiamine depletion can develop.