The relationship between vitamin C or thiamine levels and outcomes for severe sepsis patients admitted to the ICU

Preliminary data have produced conflicting results regarding whether initial vitamin C levels in patients with severe sepsis correlate with mortality outcomes. We hypothesized that low plasma ascorbic acid or thiamine levels in severe sepsis patients admitted from the Emergency Department (ED) to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) would be associated with increased mortality and an increased incidence of shock. Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of severe sepsis patients admitted to the ICU at an urban, academic medical center. Ascorbic acid and thiamine levels were analyzed in relation to survivors vs. non-survivors and shock vs. non-shock patients. 235 patients were included; mean age, 59.4 years ± 16.8 years; male, 128 (54.5%); in-hospital mortality, 16.6% (39/235); mean APACHE3 score, 61.8 ± 22.8; mean ascorbic acid level (reference range 0.40–2.10 mg/dL), 0.23 mg/dL (95% CI 0.07–4.02); and the mean thiamine level (reference range 14.6–29.5 nmol/L), 6.0 nmol/L (95% CI 4.0–9.5). When survivors were compared to non-survivors, survivors were more likely to be male (57.7% [113/196] vs. 38.5% [15/39]) and have lower APACHE3 scores (58.2 ± 22.6 vs. 79.9 ± 16.0). For the total cohort of 235 patients, there was no statistically significant relationship between a patient’s initial ascorbic acid or thiamine level and either survival or development of shock. In this analysis of early plasma samples from patients with severe sepsis admitted from the ED to the ICU, we found that mean ascorbic acid and thiamine levels were lower than normal range but that there was no relationship between these levels and outcomes, including 28 day mortality and development of shock.

A Retrospective Case Series of Thiamine Deficiency in Non-Alcoholic Hospitalized Veterans: An Important Cause of Delirium and Falling?

Thiamine deficiency (TD) in non-alcoholic hospitalized patients causes a variety of non-specific symptoms. Studies suggest it is not rare in acutely and chronically ill individuals in high income countries and is underdiagnosed. Our aim is to demonstrate data which help define the risk factors and constellation of symptoms of TD in this population. We describe 36 cases of TD in hospitalized non-alcoholic veterans over 5 years. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted by chart review +/− 4 weeks of plasma thiamine level 7 nmol/L or less. Ninety-seven percent had two or more chronic inflammatory conditions (CICs) and 83% had one or more acute inflammatory conditions (AICs). Of possible etiologies of TD 97% had two or more of: insufficient intake, inflammatory stress, or increased losses. Seventy-five percent experienced 5% or more weight loss. Ninety-two percent had symptoms with the most common being weakness or falling (75%) followed by neuropsychiatric manifestations (72%), gastrointestinal dysfunction (53%), and ataxia (42%). We conclude that TD is underdiagnosed in this population with consequent morbidity and mortality. TD likely develops because of inflammatory stress from CIC’s compounded by AIC’s combined with decreased energy intake or increased nutrient losses.

Thiamine deficiency in the outpatient psychiatric oncology setting: A case series

ObjectiveB vitamins are essential for the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is associated with neuropsychiatric syndromes such as Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE), which, if untreated, has an estimated mortality of 17–20%. Although the prevalence of thiamine deficiency in the general population is difficult to estimate, it is being increasingly recognized in oncology, especially in the inpatient setting. We describe three cases of thiamine deficiency (TD) in the outpatient psychiatric oncology setting.MethodRetrospective chart review of three adult patients, who were seen in the psychiatric oncology clinic and found to have TD on laboratory testing, was done. Patient, disease, and thiamine treatment-related information were obtained, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe average age was 59 years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.00 ± 4.58 (mean ± SD), and mean thiamine level was 59.10 ± 7.69 that ranged from 45 to 68 nmol/L (normal thiamine level reference: 70–180 nmol/L). None of the patients had brain imaging nor cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Risk factors such as unbalanced nutrition, prior GI surgery, renal disease, and chemotherapy were noted.Significance of resultsTD can have a multifactorial etiology in oncology. Identification of TD in both inpatient and outpatient setting is important. Our report highlights how early identification of TD in the outpatient setting can help prevent further clinical progression.

Development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy long after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report

Background Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, frequently associated with chronic alcoholism and total parenteral nutrition without thiamine. However, only a few reports have focused on the relationship between WE and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD). Case presentation A 71-year-old woman underwent SSPPD for an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Although there had been no evidence of recurrence, the patient was treated with antibiotics for cholangitis at 12 and 31 months, respectively, post-surgery. Thereafter, the patient presented with vomiting and disorientation 33 months after surgery. Although she was admitted and underwent closer inspection by a neurologist and a psychiatrist, the exact cause of these syndromes remained unknown. The psychiatrist measured thiamine concentration to examine the cause of disorientation. After 6 days, her level of consciousness worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed symmetrically multiple abnormal hyperintense signals on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery and diffusion weighted image, compatible with WE. An administration of intravenous thiamine was immediately initiated. After 8 days of the measurement of the thiamine level, the patient’s serum thiamine level was found to be 6 µg/mL (reference range, 24–66 µg/mL). Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with WE. Shortly after starting the treatment, blood thiamine value reached above normal range with significant improvement of her confusional state. However, short-term memory and ataxia remained. Conclusions Development of WE after SSPPD is uncommon. However, to prevent an after-effect, the possibility of development of WE after SSPPD should be recognized.

Subclinical thiamine deficiency identified by pretreatment evaluation in an esophageal cancer patient

Despite the fact that both thiamine deficiency (TD) and Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) have been observed to some degree in cancer patients, such cases of TD and/or WE reported to date have all been diagnosed after the initiation of treatment. We here report a case of TD that presented without the commonly accepted triad of WE symptoms based on a total nutritional evaluation prior to the onset of treatment for cancer. The patient was a 71-year-old man with esophageal cancer who was referred to the oncology outpatient clinic for evaluation to determine the treatment plan. Although he did not present with delirium, cerebellar signs, or ocular symptoms, TD was suspected based on a reduction in appetite lasting 2 months as thiamine stores in the body are depleted in as few as 18 days. Blood findings showed a marked decline in serum thiamine level supported, which the diagnosis of TD. This case revealed the existence of a cancer patient with subclinical TD prior to the onset of treatment for cancer. Due to the fact that TD can occur without the characteristic symptoms as in this case, we believe it is important that total nutritional evaluation of cancer patients always be considered.

SUN-596 A Rare Presentation of Early Onset Wernicke Encephalopathy Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background: Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) has been reported after malabsorptive bariatric surgeries but is an uncommon complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Since 2011, the number of patients receiving a sleeve gastrectomy has tripled, with almost 60% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery receiving a sleeve gastrectomy in 2017 (1). We present a case of WE in a young woman as a rare and early complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Clinical Case: A 32-year old female with a past medical history significant for hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, and morbid obesity status post sleeve gastrectomy two months prior presented to the emergency department with complaints of blurry vision and lower extremity numbness. Physical examination showed sluggish light reflex and decreased extraocular movements. Given history of pseudotumor cerebri, patient underwent a therapeutic lumbar puncture with removal of 13 ml of CSF. Opening pressure was 20 cm of water and patient experienced no relief of her symptoms. Ophthalmology consult did not offer an explanation for the blurry vision. MRI-brain with and without contrast showed findings highly suggestive of WE. It showed faint linear symmetric hyperintensities along the bilateral mesial thalamus, dorsal midbrain and periaqueductal gray matter, which were determined to be acute in nature in comparison with a MRI performed three weeks prior. Upon further investigation, thiamine level was low at 43.6 nmol/L [66.5 – 200] confirming the diagnosis of WE. Thiamine supplementation was started immediately and patient reported improvement of her vision the next day with return to baseline in 3 days. Conclusion: There have been a handful of cases of WE reported in literature as a complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Zheng, L also reported a case of WE 7 weeks after sleeve gastrectomy (2). Although sleeve gastrectomy does not directly affect the primary absorptive pathway of thiamine in the gastrointestinal tract, it is imperative to consider WE in patients presenting with suspicious neurologic symptoms after a recent sleeve gastrectomy. WE was suspected in our case due to typical MRI findings and neurological presentation after bariatric surgery, which was later confirmed by low serum thiamine level. Early detection and thiamine supplementation resulted in complete reversal of symptoms in our patient. WE is a rare but severe and preventable consequence of bariatric surgery that warrants attention given its rapid onset and detrimental course. Reference: (1) Estimate of Bariatric Surgery Numbers, 2011-2017. (2018, June 26). Retrieved from https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers. (2) Zheng, L. (2016). Wernicke Encephalopathy and Sleeve Gastrectomy. American Journal of Therapeutics, 23(6).

Thiamine deficiency in the bereaved after cancer-related spousal loss

ObjectiveThiamine deficiency (TD) is recognized in various kinds of disease with associated loss of appetite including cancer. However, it has not been recognized to date in bereaved partners after spousal loss from cancer.MethodFrom a series of bereaved partners who lost a spouse to cancer, we report on those who developed TD after bereavement.ResultCase 1 was a 57-year-old woman who sought consultation at our “bereavement clinic.” Her husband had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer one year earlier and had died one month previously. At the first visit, she was observed to suffer depression, anxiety, and decreased appetite. Neurological, blood, and biochemical examinations did not reveal any noteworthy findings. She was diagnosed with uncomplicated bereavement. Detailed examination revealed that her appetite had been markedly decreased for approximately five weeks. The diagnosis of TD was supported by her abnormally low serum thiamine level. Case 2 was a bereaved 73-year-old male who had lost his wife to hypopharyngeal cancer one month previously after a five-year illness. He had shown a lack of energy for the month preceding his wife's death, but because there was no improvement after her death, his family recommended he seek consultation at our “bereavement clinic.” He was suffering from major depressive disorder. Detailed examination revealed that his appetite had been decreased for more than two weeks. Again, the diagnosis of TD was supported by his abnormally low serum thiamine level.Significance of resultsThese reports demonstrate that there is a possibility that bereaved could develop TD after the loss of a loved one. TD should be considered whenever there is a loss of appetite lasting for more than 2 weeks, and medical staff should pay careful attention to the physical condition of the bereaved to prevent complications because of TD.

Thiamine deficiency observed in a cancer patient's caregiver

ObjectiveThiamine deficiency (TD) is recognized in various kinds of disease with associated loss of appetite including cancer; however, TD has not been recognized in the family caregivers of cancer patients to date.MethodFrom a series of cancer patient caregivers, we reported an aged family caregiver who developed TD while caring for the cancer patient.ResultThe caregiver was a 90-year-old male. He had been accompanying his wife, who was diagnosed with colon cancer 4 years previously, on hospital visits as the primary caregiver, but because of psychological issues, he was recommended to visit the psycho-oncology department's “caregiver's clinic” for a consultation. Detailed examination revealed that his appetite had been only about 50% of usual from about one year before, and he had lost 12 kg in weight in one year. The diagnosis of TD was supported by his abnormally low serum thiamine level.Significance of the resultsThis report demonstrates that there is a possibility that care providers could develop TD from the burdens associated with caregiving. TD should be considered whenever there is a loss of appetite lasting for more than 2 weeks, and medical staff should pay careful attention to the physical condition of care providers to prevent complications resulting from TD.