beriberi
beriberi The result of severe and prolonged deficiency of vitamin B1, still a problem in parts of south east Asia where the diet is high in carbohydrate and poor in vitamin B1. In developed countries vitamin B1 deficiency is associated with alcohol abuse; while it may result in beriberi, more commonly the result is central nervous system damage, the Wernicke‐Korsakoff syndrome. In beriberi there is degeneration of peripheral nerves, starting in the hands and feet and ascending the arms and legs, with a loss of sensation and deep muscle pain. There is also enlargement of the heart, which may lead to oedema (wet beriberi), and death results from heart failure. Fatal heart failure may develop without the nerve damage being apparent (Shoshin or sudden beriberi). The name is derived from the Bahasa‐Malay word for sheep, to describe the curious sheep‐like gait adopted by sufferers.
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beriberi
