Thiamine deficiency-induced gestational polyneuropathy and encephalopathy - a case report

A 22-year-old multigravida presented with polyneuropathy and encephalopathy at 18 weeks' pregnancy. After excluding other applicable conditions, the diagnosis of a hyperemesis-induced thiamine deficiency was made. With the necessary vitamin supplementation the patient gradually recovered over a period of 4 months and was delivered of a normal infant at term. Gestational polyneuropathy and encephalopathy due to thiamine deficiency has very rarely been reported. The literature is reviewed with discussion of the differential diagnosis, the treatment and the prognosis.