Abstract

SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF GAYET-WERNICKE ENCEPHALOPATHY IN PREGNANCY: CASE SERIES

Ibtissam Bellajdel*, Oussama Lamzouri, Imane Benhamou, Hafsa Taheri, Hanane Saadi, Ahmed Mimouni

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Abstract

This article presents a retrospective observational analysis of four cases of Gayet-Wernicke encephalopathy (GWE) treated successfully in the department of gynecology at Mohamed IV university hospital. GWE is a neuropsychiatric syndrome due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, characterized by the classic triad of encephalopathy, ophthalmoplegia/nystagmus, and ataxia. The authors collected data on presenting complaints, chronicity, adequacy of treatment, neurological symptoms, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term morbidity. All cases met Caine's operational criteria for WE, and patients were followed up with via telephone to track long-term outcomes. Diagnosis of GWE is typically based on the triad of ophthalmoplegia, mental confusion, and ataxia, and MRI is the reference examination. Thiamine deficiency can cause varying degrees of neurological damage, some of which can be irreversible, and is typically observed in chronic alcoholics but is also seen in individuals suffering from severe malnutrition. Factors that can favor the development of GWE include chronic digestive or neoplastic pathologies, psychiatric pathologies, chronic end-stage renal disease, and vomiting during pregnancy. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment of GWE to prevent long-term neurological damage.

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