title: Thiamine deficiency and delirium.
abstract: Thiamine is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in cellular production of energy from ingested food and enhances normal neuronal actives. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to a very serious clinical condition known as delirium. Studies performed in the United States and other parts of the world have established the link between thiamine deficiency and delirium. This literature review examines the physiology, pathophysiology, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations (e.g., Wernicke's encephalopathy, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, structural and functional brain injuries) and diagnosis of thiamine deficiency and delirium. Current treatment practices are also discussed that may improve patient outcome, which ultimately may result in a reduction in healthcare costs.
authors.affiliation: All authors are from Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Osiezagha
authors.forename: Shahid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Narviar C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: Shagufta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jabeen
authors.forename: Sarbani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maitra
authors.forename: Yetunde
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Olagbemiro
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Richie
authors.forename: Rahn K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Bailey
keywords: Kreb’s cycle; Thiamine deficiency; Wernicke’s encephalopathy; delirium