Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Thiamine deficiency
Pronunciation: thahy-uh-meen
Vitamin B1 deficiency that can occur rapidly after bariatric surgery, potentially causing serious neurological complications.
Full Definition
A critical nutritional deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that can develop within weeks to months following bariatric surgery, particularly in patients with persistent vomiting or poor dietary intake. Thiamine deficiency can progress to beriberi or Wernicke encephalopathy, causing symptoms ranging from fatigue and confusion to permanent neurological damage. Prevention requires adequate thiamine supplementation and prompt recognition of early symptoms in high-risk patients.
Usage
Usage note: Also known as vitamin B1 deficiency; thiamine is the preferred medical terminology.
In Context
- "Acute thiamine deficiency was suspected in the patient presenting with confusion and nystagmus post-surgery." — Emergency assessment
- "High-dose thiamine supplementation was initiated to prevent progression to Wernicke encephalopathy." — Treatment protocol
Also known as
vitamin B1 deficiency
beriberi
Contrasted with
thiamine sufficiency
Don't confuse with
B12 deficiency
folate deficiency