Thiamine deficiency study on infants by Hyderabad doctors published in European journal

Hyderabad: A study taken-up by doctors at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Secunderabad, indicating that proper nutrition of pregnant women can prevent life threatening condition called thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency has been published in European Journal of Pediatric Neurology, a press release said. The study titled “Thiamine-responsive, life-threatening, pulmonary hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy in young infants” was […]

Hyderabad: A study taken-up by doctors at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Secunderabad, indicating that proper nutrition of pregnant women can prevent life threatening condition called thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency has been published in European Journal of Pediatric Neurology, a press release said.

The study titled “Thiamine-responsive, life-threatening, pulmonary hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy in young infants” was conducted by Dr C Suryakanthi, under the guidance of Dr Ramesh Konanki, pediatric neurologist and Dr Preetham Kumar Reddy, pediatric intensive at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Secunderabad.

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In the study, the doctors described a rare form of infantile thiamine deficiency among six infants of 1 to 3 months old from Telangana over a period of one-year. All the infants had similar symptoms in a very critical condition, were exclusively breastfed, and recovered completely with thiamine supplementation.

Thiamine deficiency is usually detected in young infants, due to their mothers being deficient, as these infants are solely dependent on breast milk. By paying attention to the mother’s nutrition, this life-threatening condition can be prevented from occurring among infants, doctors said.

Pediatricians and physicians responsible for the care of infants, especially those in small towns and rural areas should be aware of the signs and symptoms of thiamine deficiency.

Once Thiamine deficiency is suspected in a critically sick infant, they can start thiamine supplementation (through injection or orally) immediately, without having to wait for a diagnosis, as early treatment can be life-saving and can prevent brain injury, press release added.

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