Wernicke's encephalopathy: a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum

Dr. Swati M. Sanap; Dr. Rahul V. Thorve

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2020

Wernicke's encephalopathy: a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum

Dr. Swati M. Sanap, Dr. Rahul V. Thorve

Abstract :

Wernicke`s encephalopathy results due to severe thiamine deficiency; occurring mostly in chronic alcoholics. We present the case of 23-year-old female, at 15 weeks of pregnancy, with severe hyperemesis gravidarum. She presented with confusion, nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. Clinically, presumptive diagnosis of Wernicke`s encephalopathy was made; very large doses of thiamine were administered to manage the case. A low serum thiamine level later confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was discharged home on day 16 with mild persistent up beating nystagmus. On follow up after 3 months, persistent up beating nystagmus with normal cognitive function and preserved memory was noted. Wernicke`s encephalopathy is a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum, if remained undiagnosed leads to long-term neurological sequela or death. Initiation of early thiamine replacement therapy in pregnant female with prolonged vomiting, will decrease maternal morbidity and foetal demise rate. Presently, only a few cases with this condition have been reported in the literature.