title: Evolution of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in self-neglecting alcoholics: preliminary results of relation with Wernicke-delirium and diabetes mellitus.
abstract: We present a descriptive, retrospective study of initial symptoms, comorbidity, and alcohol withdrawal in 73 alcoholic patients with subsequent Korsakoff syndrome. In 25/73 (35%) of the patients the classic triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy with ocular symptoms, ataxia and confusion, was found. In at least 6/35 (17%) of the initial deliria (95% confidence interval: 10-25%) we observed no other underlying causes, thus excluding other somatic causes, medication, (recent) alcohol withdrawal, or intoxication. We suggest that these deliria may have been representing Wernicke's encephalopathy. A high frequency (15%) of diabetics may reflect a contributing factor of diabetes mellitus in the evolution of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Rijnmond Care Group, Nursing Home Slingedael, Center for Korsakoff and Psychogeriatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.wijnia@zorggroeprijnmond.nl
authors.forename: Jan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wijnia
authors.forename: Ben J M
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: van de Wetering
authors.forename: Elles
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zwart
authors.forename: K Gerrit A
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuis
authors.forename: M Anne
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Goossensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D057229:Alcoholics / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020915:Korsakoff Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014899:Wernicke Encephalopathy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*