Question

A 52-year-old man with alcohol dependence is admitted for detoxification. He drinks 30 units of alcohol daily and has poor nutrition. What is the most appropriate prophylactic treatment to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous Thiamine (Pabrinex) before carbohydrate administration

Answer

High-dose oral Thiamine only

Answer

Intravenous glucose before any vitamins

Answer

No prophylaxis is required until symptoms develop

Answer

High-dose Vitamin B12 injections only

Practice question

A 52-year-old man with alcohol dependence is admitted for detoxification. He drinks 30 units of alcohol daily and has poor nutrition. What is the most appropriate prophylactic treatment to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy?