Thiamine deficiency in critically ill patients with sepsis

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of absolute thiamine deficiency (TD) in critically ill patients with sepsis and to examine the association between thiamine levels and lactic acidosis. Design This was a prospective, observational study. Setting The setting was an urban, tertiary care center with approximately 50 000 emergency department visits per year and intensive care units numbering approximately 50 total beds. Patients Thirty study patients admitted with clinical suspicion of infection and evidence of tissue hypoperfusion, as defined by a lactic acid level greater than 4 mmol/L or hypotension (systolic blood pressure