(Singhalese: beri = extreme weakness.) Formerly a major health problem in many Asian countries, beriberi is a nutritional deficiency disease resulting from prolonged deficiency of THIAMINE (vitamin B1). A major public-health problem in countries where highly polished rice constitutes the staple diet, beriberi also occurs sporadically in alcoholics (WERNICKE'S ENCEPHALOPATHY) and in people suffering from chronic malabsorptive states. Clinical symptoms include weakness, paralysis, especially the hands and feet (associated with sensory loss, particularly in the legs), and ‘burning sensations’ in the feet (dry beriberi). Alternatively, it is accompanied by OEDEMA, palpitations and a dilated heart (wet beriberi). Treatment consists of large doses of vitamin B1 – orally or intramuscularly; a diet containing other vitamins of the B group; and rest.
This is the result of maternal THIAMINE deficiency; although the mother is not necessarily affected, the breast-fed baby may develop typical signs (see above). Optic and third cranial, and recurrent laryngeal nerves may be affected; encephalopathy can result in convulsions, coma and death.