LAUSR

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a rare, serious and acute neurological disorder resulting from vitamin B1 deficiency [1]. The mortality rate is estimated to be 30% [2]. It is mainly associated with excessive alcohol intakes, although several cases have been found in the context of hyperemesis gravidarum [3], a state of severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that leads to dehydration, electrolyte and acid–base disorders, malnutrition and weight loss [4]. The association of the two conditions was first described in 1939, and its incidence seems to be underestimated [2]. Traditionally, the clinical diagnosis of WE rests on a classic triad of ocular signs, altered consciousness and ataxia, as described by Wernicke in his original article [5]. In the present report, we describe four cases of WE revealed in the context of hyperemesis gravidarum (Table 1). The aim of this report is to demonstrate that this is a serious complication that can readily arise in the absence of adequate prevention, and also to describe our experience in terms of its clinical management and outcomes.