Blood Transketolase Activity in Beriberi Heart Disease

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Abstract
Beriberi heart disease, a cardiac disorder due to a deficiency of thiamine, is relatively rare, and its diagnosis is commonly missed. The estimation of blood transketolase activity, a simple, sensitive, and specific assay which can detect significant thiamine deficiency, has been useful in establishing a diagnosis of beriberi heart disease. An acute form of high-output cardiac decompensation developed in five chronic alcoholic, inadequately nourished patients. In each case, blood transketolase determinations prior to therapy showed clear evidence of moderately severe thiamine deficiency. The enzyme assay is useful as a diagnostic tool in heart disease and a variety of nutritional disorder.

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