Thiamine Deficiency in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients

Background: Thiamine requirement is increased in sick children while their food intake are decreases. Studies from western countries had reported that thiamine deficiency is common in pediatric patients with potentially fatal consequences. There have been no previous studies on thiamine status in pediatric patients in Thailand. Objective: To determine the incidence and factors related to thiamine deficiency in sick children admitted to hospital for mote than two weeks. Design: Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University Subjects: Twenty four cases of sick children who first admitted to pediatric wards for more than two weeks between December 1994 and November 1995. Measurements: Thiamine status was determined by assessing the erythrocyte transketolase enzyme activity and the thiamine pyrophosphate effect in red blood cells. Results: Seven (29.2%) patients had thiamine deficiency, 2 (8.3%) patients had low level, and 15 (62.5%) patients had normal level. Most of the thiamine deficiency patients had malignancies but a normal nutritional status, by anthropometric assessment. Conclusions: Thiamine deficiency may occur even in patients with a normal nutritional status without presenting any signs of deficiency. A definite diagnosis requires biochemical assessment. Because thiamine deficiency is potentially fatal, thiamine supplementation should be considered.