Gayet — Wernicke syndrome in pregnancy: a clinical case

Abstract

Introduction. Gayet – Wernicke syndrome develops as a result of vitamin B1 deficiency, which is most often found in people suffering from alcoholism or malabsorption due to intestinal diseases or bariatric surgeries. During pregnancy, this condition can develop as a result of prolonged uncontrollable vomiting, which disrupts the balance of substances in the body and the absorption of nutrients in the intestine. However, this condition is quite rare, and manifestations in the form of polyneuropathy and the absence of the classical triad can present a certain difficulty in differential diagnosis and timely administration of therapy.

Results. This article presents a clinical case of a pregnant woman at 38 weeks with a clinical picture of Gayet – Wernicke syndrome due to severe vomiting of pregnancy in the first trimester and metabolic disorders in the third.

Conclusion. Since Gayet – Wernicke syndrome is a relatively rare disease, obstetricians-gynecologists, ophthalmologists, therapists and neurologists who observe pregnant women should pay close attention to the appearance of patient complaints about memory impairment, weakness, numbness in the limbs and feelings of weakness in the limbs, and impaired coordination. Of course, such complaints are not uncommon in pregnant women, but we must always remember that there is a possibility that they may be early signs of Gayet – Wernicke syndrome.