The rediscovery of thiamine deficiency disorders at a secondary level mission hospital in Northeast India

Abstract

In this article, we report the different presentations of thiamine deficiency disorders seen at a remote rural mission hospital in Northeast India, including investigations, treatment, and recovery. Two case studies, one of an infant with cardiac beriberi and the other of a nonalcoholic adult presenting with peripheral neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and metabolic acidosis and responding to thiamine supplementation, are described in detail. We share our experience with these clinical entities over the past two decades, including recent research and lessons learned, and suggest ways forward to identify at-risk populations in Northeast India, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and promote preventive public health strategies.

Keywords: thiamine deficiency disorders; thiamine-responsive cardiomyopathy; thiamine-responsive infantile cardiac beriberi; thiamine-responsive neuropathy.