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Beriberi laboratory findings

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

Overview

Overview

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.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory Findings

  • 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]
References

References

  1. Frank LL (2015). “Thiamin in Clinical Practice”. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 39 (5): 503–20. doi:10.1177/0148607114565245. PMID 25564426.
  2. “StatPearls”. 2019. PMID 30725889.


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