BACKGROUND: Before its recognition, infantile beriberi was the leading cause of infant death in camps for displaced persons of the Karen ethnic minority on Thailand's western border. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to document thiamine status in the peripartum period to examine the current supplementation program and the correlation between the clinical manifestations of thiamine deficiency and a biochemical measure of thiamine status. DESIGN: Women were enrolled prospectively at 30 wk of gestation and were followed up weekly until delivery and at 3 mo postpartum. Thiamine supplementation during pregnancy was based on patient symptoms. RESULTS: At 3 mo postpartum, thiamine deficiency reflected by an erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) > or = 1.20% was found in 57.7% (15/26) of mothers, 26.9% (7/26) of whom had severe deficiency (ETKA > 1.25%). No significant associations between ETKA and putative maternal symptoms or use of thiamine supplements were found. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical postpartum thiamine deficiency is still common in Karen refugee women. This situation may be improved by educating lactating women to reduce their consumption of thiaminase-containing foods and by implementing an effective thiamine supplementation program.
BACKGROUND: Before its recognition, infantile beriberi was the leading cause of infantdeath in camps for displaced persons of the Karen ethnic minority on Thailand's western border. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to document thiamine status in the peripartum period to examine the current supplementation program and the correlation between the clinical manifestations of thiaminedeficiency and a biochemical measure of thiamine status. DESIGN:Women were enrolled prospectively at 30 wk of gestation and were followed up weekly until delivery and at 3 mo postpartum. Thiamine supplementation during pregnancy was based on patient symptoms. RESULTS: At 3 mo postpartum, thiaminedeficiency reflected by an erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) > or = 1.20% was found in 57.7% (15/26) of mothers, 26.9% (7/26) of whom had severe deficiency (ETKA > 1.25%). No significant associations between ETKA and putative maternal symptoms or use of thiamine supplements were found. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical postpartum thiaminedeficiency is still common in Karen refugee women. This situation may be improved by educating lactating women to reduce their consumption of thiaminase-containing foods and by implementing an effective thiamine supplementation program.
Authors: Jelisa Gallant; Kathleen Chan; Tim J Green; Frank T Wieringa; Shalem Leemaqz; Rem Ngik; Jeffrey R Measelle; Dare A Baldwin; Mam Borath; Prak Sophonneary; Lisa N Yelland; Daniela Hampel; Setareh Shahab-Ferdows; Lindsay H Allen; Kerry S Jones; Albert Koulman; Damon A Parkington; Sarah R Meadows; Hou Kroeun; Kyly C Whitfield Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2021-07-01 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: Mayfong Mayxay; Ann M Taylor; Maniphone Khanthavong; Siamphay Keola; Tiengkham Pongvongsa; Samlane Phompida; Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh; Nicholas J White; Paul N Newton Journal: Trop Med Int Health Date: 2007-03 Impact factor: 2.622