wet beriberi

Wet beriberi, also known as thiamine deficiency with cardiovascular involvement, is a severe form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency that affects the cardiovascular system.

Symptoms and Characteristics

• Affects the cardiovascular system, resulting in:
  • Fast heart rate [5]
  • Shortness of breath [7][9]
  • Leg swelling [7][9]
• Can be divided into three stages: mild, moderate, and severe [2]

Key Features

• Wet beriberi is a clinical syndrome associated with thiamine deficiency [5]
• It is characterized by cardiovascular symptoms such as fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and leg swelling [7][9]
• The chronic form of wet beriberi consists of three stages: mild, moderate, and severe [2]

Other Information

• Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system, whereas dry beriberi affects the nervous system [3]
• Beriberi is a term used for vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, which can be caused by a lack of thiamine in the diet or other factors [4]

References: [1] Not applicable [2] 2 [3] 3 [4] 4 [5] 5 [7] 7 [9] 9

Wet beriberi, also known as cardiovascular beriberi, is a condition that affects the cardiovascular system. The symptoms of wet beriberi include:

• Rapid heartbeat: This is one of the earliest signs of wet beriberi, where the heart rate increases to compensate for the lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body [3].
• Shortness of breath: As the condition progresses, shortness of breath can occur even when at rest or with minimal activity [5][8].
• Swelling of the lower legs: Fluid buildup in the legs and feet is a common symptom of wet beriberi [1][5][9].
• Increased heart rate with activity: Engaging in physical activity can further increase the heart rate, making it difficult to breathe [5].

These symptoms are caused by the body's inability to properly utilize thiamine, leading to impaired cardiovascular function. If left untreated, wet beriberi can lead to more severe complications, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

References: [1] - Symptoms of wet beriberi include: Awakening at night short of breath; Increased heart rate; Shortness of breath with activity; Swelling of the lower legs. Exams ... [3] - May 4, 2023 — Symptoms of Beriberi · Weakness and muscle loss · Mental confusion · Tingling or loss of sensitivity in the fingers or feet · Fatigue · Rapid heart ... [5] - Oct 3, 2024 — Symptoms of wet beriberi include: Awakening at night short of breath; Increased heart rate; Shortness of breath with activity; Swelling of the ... [8] - Aug 30, 2024 — Symptoms · Difficulty walking · Loss of feeling in the hands and feet · Muscle pain · Loss of muscle function · Paralysis of the lower legs ...

Wet beriberi, also known as dry beriberi, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory tests.

Clinical Assessment

• Symptoms such as cardiac failure and edema are key indicators of wet beriberi [9].
• A medical history evaluation and physical examination can help identify potential risk factors for thiamine deficiency [14].

Laboratory Tests

• Blood tests to measure the amount of thiamine in the blood can be used to diagnose wet beriberi, although this is not always necessary [2], [6], [8].
• Urine tests to see if thiamine is passing through the urine can also be done [4], [7].

Other Tests

• Echocardiogram and other cardiac evaluation tests can be used to assess heart function in patients with wet beriberi [14].
• Cranial ultrasonography can be used in the diagnosis of infantile encephalitic beriberi, as indicated by a retrospective study by Wani et al [1].

Therapeutic Administration

• Treatment with vitamin B1 is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of wet beriberi, and can be used as a diagnostic test in cases of acute heart failure and insidious peripheral neuropathy [12], [13].

Treatment of Wet Beriberi

Wet beriberi, also known as dry beriberi, is a severe form of thiamine deficiency that affects the cardiovascular system and nervous system. The primary goal of treatment for wet beriberi is to increase thiamine levels in the body.

• Prompt Administration of Parenteral Thiamine: In suspected cases of thiamine deficiency, prompt administration of parenteral thiamine (50 mg) is indicated [1]. This can be given intravenously or orally.
• Thiamine Supplements: The goal of treatment is to replace the thiamine your body is lacking. This is done with thiamine supplements [7].
• Rapid and Dramatic Recovery: Given thiamine intravenously (and later orally), rapid and dramatic recovery occurs in many people with beriberi [8].

It's essential to note that limiting alcohol consumption helps reduce the risk of developing beriberi, especially for individuals with an alcohol use disorder [5]. Regular medical appointments can also help identify potential issues early on.

References:

[1] May 9, 2024 — In suspected cases of thiamine deficiency, prompt administration of parenteral thiamine is indicated. The recommended dose is 50 mg given ...

[7] Oct 3, 2024 — The goal of treatment is to replace the thiamine your body is lacking. This is done with thiamine supplements. Thiamine supplements are given ...

[8] Treatment. Many people with beriberi can be treated with thiamine alone. Given thiamine intravenously (and later orally), rapid and dramatic recovery occurs, ...

Wet beriberi, also known as thiamine deficiency cardiomyopathy, is a condition characterized by cardiac symptoms caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body.

Key Conditions to Consider:

• Hyperthyroidism and/or thyrotoxicosis [1]
• Vitamin deficiencies [2]
• High-output heart failure [2]

Symptoms of Wet Beriberi: