Abstract

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a vital vitamine that ensures the stable energetic level of nerve cells. Thiamine deficit does not occur during a normal, balanced nutrition. The condition that develops due to thiamine deficiency is called beriberi.

Beriberi has conventionally been dividend into wet beriberi, which has mainly cardiovascular effects, and dry beriberi, which affects the peripheral nervous system. Beriberi is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms.

In the initial neuropathic phase the necessary dose of thiamine is 20-30mg per day until the patient is completely recovered. To cure the dysfunction of the central nervous system and serious polyneuropathy that have developed as a result of bariatric surgery, very large dosages have generally been used: 500mg in the first 3 days, 250mg intravenously during the next 5 days and 100mg per day orally during long-term maintenance therapy. In addition to thiamine, replacement of all macro and micro elements should be ensured. Although thiamine deficit might result in serious neurological deficit, timely replacement therapy prevents development of a life-threatening state and enables recovery of function.

Multidisciplinary and complex monitooring is necessary before and after bariatric surgery.