Beriberi laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Abdelrahman Ibrahim Abushouk, MD[2]

The diagnosis of beriberi is assisted by a dietary history suggestive of a low thiamine intake and clinical manifestations. The most sensitive lab tests to detect thiamine deficiency are measurements of erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) and the thiamine pyrophosphate effect (TPPE). Other tests include measurements of urinary concentrations of thiamine and its metabolites, as well as methylglyoxal.

• The diagnosis of beriberi is assisted by a dietary history suggestive of a low thiamine intake and clinical manifestations.

• However, objective biochemical tests of thiamine status may assist with diagnosis.^[1]

• • Measurement of erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) and the thiamine pyrophosphate effect (TPPE) are sensitive tests for thiamine deficiency.
  • Other tests include measurements of urinary concentrations of thiamine and its metabolites, as well as methylglyoxal.^[2]

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