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Evolution of Wernicke‐Korsakoff Syndrome in Self‐Neglecting Alcoholics: Preliminary Results of Relation with Wernicke‐Delirium and Diabetes Mellitus
Author(s) -
Wijnia Jan W.,
van de Wetering Ben J. M.,
Zwart Elles,
Nieuwenhuis K. Gerrit A.,
Anne Goossensen M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2011.00199.x
Subject(s) - delirium , diabetes mellitus , relation (database) , psychology , medicine , psychiatry , developmental psychology , endocrinology , computer science , database
We present a descriptive, retrospective study of initial symptoms, comorbidity, and alcohol withdrawal in 73 alcoholic patients with subsequent Korsakoff syndrome. In 25/73 (35%) of the patients the classic triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy with ocular symptoms, ataxia and confusion, was found. In at least 6/35 (17%) of the initial deliria (95% confidence interval: 10–25%) we observed no other underlying causes, thus excluding other somatic causes, medication, (recent) alcohol withdrawal, or intoxication. We suggest that these deliria may have been representing Wernicke's encephalopathy. A high frequency (15%) of diabetics may reflect a contributing factor of diabetes mellitus in the evolution of the Wernicke‐Korsakoff syndrome. (Am J Addict 2012;21:104–110)