Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
low

Although rare, anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions can occur when thiamine is given parenterally.[1][13]​​​ It is therefore recommended that intravenous thiamine is administered in hospital (with facilities for cardiopulmonary resuscitation).[7]

long term
medium

The exact incidence of this complication is unknown. Estimates of progression to Korsakoff's psychosis range between 50% and 85%.[67]

Korsakoff's psychosis is characterised by retrograde and antegrade amnesia, causing the inability to memorise new information, and confabulation (inventing events in order to compensate for lack of memory), but with general preservation of other intellectual functions.[3]

Of those who develop Korsakoff's psychosis, 25% will require long-term institutional care.[68]

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