Polyneuritic syndrome: its aetiological relationship to nutrition and its association with vitamin B₁ deficiency

Abstract

1. Fourteen cases exhibiting signs of peripheral nerve degeneration, have been studied; five cases treated by Dr Ritchie Russell have also been included.. A deficiency of vitamin B₁ of varying degree was found to be concerned: - (a) By dietary deficiency; (b) by gastro- intestinal derangement conditioning a state of deficiency; (c) by response to specific treatment by parenterally administered vitamin B₁.3. Achlorhydria was found to be an important aetiological factor in fourteen cases.4. The most rapid response to treatment was obtained by parenteral injection of the vitamin; 1000 international units for three consecutive days followed by 500 international units per day, gave eminently satisfactory results.5. As other dietary deficiencies are frequently concerned in the clinical phenomena ôf these cases, a diet adequate in all respects was prescribed.