Beriberi (thiamine deficiency) and high infant mortality in northern Laos.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infantile beriberi (thiamine deficiency) occurs mainly in infants breastfed by mothers with inadequate intake of thiamine, typically among vulnerable populations. We describe possible and probable cases of infantile thiamine deficiency in northern Laos.

Methodology/principal findings

Three surveys were conducted in Luang Namtha Province. First, we performed a retrospective survey of all infants with a diagnosis of thiamine deficiency admitted to the 5 hospitals in the province (2007-2009). Second, we prospectively recorded all infants with cardiac failure at Luang Namtha Hospital. Third, we further investigated all mothers with infants (1-6 months) living in 22 villages of the thiamine deficiency patients' origin. We performed a cross-sectional survey of all mothe

SUBMITTER: Barennes H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4363666 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature