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Washington University Experience | METABOLIC | Wernicke Encephalopathy | 7A0 Case 7 History
Case 7 History ---- This 38 year old man with known hereditary alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency also was found to have spastic paraparesis, elevated liver function tests, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and elevated ANA and rheumatoid factor serologies. The last month of his life he was admitted multiple times for reactive airway disease necessitating steroid therapy. While in the ICU he developed an abrupt decrease in oxygen saturation and decreased blood pressure. Sputum grew Aspergillus and he was treated with amphotericin. Multiple episodes of fever, decreased oxygen saturation and tachycardia finally resulted in redirection of care and expiration. This patient never had a history of alcoholism or appreciated nutritional problems.
