Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) in Australia: no room for complacency.
Australia has made a substantial contribution to the recognition and treatment of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Much of this occurred over a generation ago, and vigilance in identifying this condition needs to be sustained. More recently, treatment protocols have been developed by the Royal College of Physicians (London). These provide guidelines on when and how to treat both patients at risk and those with acute Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE). It is not known how widespread these recommendations have been applied in Australia. We highlight these current treatment guidelines and illustrate management issues with two case reports. A decline in treatment practices in the United Kingdom prompted the development of these guidelines. Current treatment practices in Australia have not been reported. All alcohol and drug workers need to be reminded regularly of this condition and the need for prompt recognition and treatment.
Feeney
Gerald F X
GF
Alcohol and Drug Assessment Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Gerald_Feeney@health.qld.gov.au
Connor
Jason P
JP
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020915:Korsakoff Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012955:Societies, Medical; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014899:Wernicke Encephalopathy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy