Prevalence of Wernicke‐Korsakoff syndrome in Australia: has thiamine fortification made a difference?

摘要: OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) in Australia and compare this with previous studies. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective autopsy study at New South Wales Institute Forensic Medicine, 1996-1997. METHODS Brains deceased people (aged over 15 years) derived from 2212 sequential autopsies performed between 1 January 1996 31 December 1997 were studied macroscopically microscopically to identify cases WKS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Standard histological criteria for WKS any available clinical data. RESULTS Twenty-five identified (prevalence, 1.1%), mostly among 5.9% who had a history suggestive alcohol abuse. Only four (16%) been diagnosed during life. CONCLUSIONS There has significant reduction since introduction thiamine enrichment bread flour. While is still higher than most other Western countries, further research needed before adding alcoholic beverages can be recommended.