Wernicke-Enzephalopathie bei Refeeding-Syndrom

This report describes a patient with a history of recurrent depressive disorder and restrictive anorexia nervosa. In the context of a depressive episode, increased appetite led to refeeding syndrome with consecutive Wernicke encephalopathy following previous food deprivation due to anorexia. The pathophysiology is based on increased thiamine consumption during a sudden transition to an anabolic metabolic state. Wernicke's encephalopathy should be considered even in cases of nonspecific symptoms associated with any type of malnutrition, especially since the encephalopathy can be triggered by refeeding syndrome. Appropriate therapeutic measures to prevent consequential damage must be taken immediately (B1 vitamin and electrolyte replacement, as well as dietary supplementation).