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Neuropediatrics 2009; 40(5): 249-251
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248244
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Wernicke's Encephalopathy during Total Parenteral Nutrition in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Acute Pancreatitis

S. Muwakkit1 , C. Al-Aridi1 , R. Saab1 , R. Hourani2 , N. Yazbeck1 , M. Abboud3
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2Department of Radiology, Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 3Children's Cancer Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
Further Information

Publication History

received 30.10.2009

accepted 15.01.2010

Publication Date:
10 March 2010 (online)

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Abstract

We herein describe a 16-year-old child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute pancreatitis who developed Wernicke's encephalopathy secondary to prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) that lacked vitamin B1 supplementation. The patient showed a direct and complete response to thiamine therapy. Diagnostic challenges are discussed and recommendations for prophylactic vitamin B1 supplementation in children with leukemia who are placed on TPN are made.

Key words

Wernicke's encephalopathy - leukemia - total parenteral nutrition - children - pancreatitis

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Correspondence

Samar Muwakkit

Department of Pediatrics Medical Center

American University of Beirut

PB Box 11-0236

1107 2020 Beirut

Phone: +961/1/350 000

Fax: +961/1/366 384

Email: sm03@aub.edu.lb