SAGE Publications, International Journal of STD & AIDS, 10(14), p. 712-713, 2003
DOI: 10.1258/095646203322387992
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Wernicke's encephalopathy is commonly associated with chronic alcohol abuse, but may also occur in patients with poor nutritional status. We report a case of acute Wernicke's encephalopathy in a patient with AIDS without any predisposing risk factors for thiamine deficiency. In developing countries, without vitamin supplementation, this disorder may play a role in the morbidity and mortality associated with AIDS. We believe that thiamine supplementation should be considered in cachetic AIDS patients, especially where access to antiretroviral therapy is limited.