Scot Med J
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A patient is reported who developed lactic acidosis, hyponatraemia and features of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following long term excessive ingestion of beer and lager. Intramuscular thiamine caused a rapid correction of the lactic acidosis, and the hyponatraemia was corrected by intravenous therapy. On discharge after six weeks of intramuscular Parentrovite the patient still retained some chronic features of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
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Alcohol-induced 'wet' or cardiac beri-beri is reported in two middle-aged males who consumed excessive amounts of beer. The high carbohydrate and satiety value of beer together with its low thiamine content places the alcoholic beer drinker at particular risk of thiamine deficiency.
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With the early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and the better management of these patients in childhood increasing numbers are surviving to adult life. The main problem requiring continuous medical care in the older cystic fibrosis patient is persisting and often progressive chest disease. For this reason the cystic fibrosis clinic for adolescents and young adults was started in the Western Infirmary in 1975. ⋯ Eleven patients are alive and well and have shown no evidence of deterioration over this period. Ten are at school or in regular employment. With optimum medical supervision it is possible to give young adults with cystic fibrosis a worthwhile existence.