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

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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