Beriberi

What is Beriberi?
Thiamine deficiency
This refers to the lack of vitamine b1 (thiamine) in the
body.
There are two types of this disease: wet beriberi and dry
beriberi

Vitamin B1 or Thiamine

2 Typres of Beriberi
Dry Beriberi

Thiamine deficiency with involvement of nervous system.

This type damages the nerves and can led to a loss of
muscle strength and eventually paralysis.

Wet Beriberi

Thiamine deficiency with cardiovascular involvment.

Affects the heart and circulatory system and may lead to
heart failure.

Risk Factors

Diarrhea
Diuretic Therapies
Peritoneal DIalysis
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Alcoholism
Malnutrition
Chronic Intestinal disease

Pathophysiology: Wet Beriberi

Peripheral Vasodilation occurs
High cardiac
output
salt and water retentetion (RAAS)
Edema
Heart increases workload

Pathophysiology: Dry Beriberi

Poor caloric intake and Relative Physical Inactivity
Degeneration of the myelin the muscular sheaths

Clinical Manifestations
Neurologic Symptoms
Poor memory, irritability, sleep
disturbance
Paresthesia
Muscle cramps
Decreased vibratory position
sensation
Absent knee and ankle jerk
Muscle atrophy
Foot drop

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Tachycardia

Chest pain

Wide pulse pressure

Heart failure

Hypotension shock

Other Manifestations:

Anorexia
Abdominal Discomfort
Constipation
Dysphagia

Diagnostic and Lab Findings

Blood and Urine Tests will measure levels of Vitamin B1
specifically, erythrocyte transketolase activity.
Positive to beriberi: low concentration of thiamine in blood
and high in urine.

Medical Management
Prompt administration of parenteral thiamine is indicated.
(The recommended dose is 50 mg given IM for several
days and maintainance is 2.5 - 5mg per day if
malabsorption is suspected)

Nursing Diagnosis
Imbalance Nutrition: Less than body requirements
Activity Intolerance