Severe lactic acidosis and multiorgan failure due to thiamine deficiency during total parenteral nutrition

Abstract

A 16-year-old perioperative paediatric patient presented with refractory lactic acidosis and multiorgan failure due to thiamine-deficient total parenteral nutrition during a recent national multivitamin shortage. Urgent empiric administration of intravenous thiamine resulted in prompt recovery from this life-threatening condition. Despite readily available treatment, a high index of suspicion is required to prevent cardiovascular collapse and mortality. Copyright 2014 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.