Epidemiology

The prevalence of Wernicke's encephalopathy, according to unselected autopsy studies, varies throughout the world from 0.8% to 2.8%.[14][15]​​ According to clinical studies, this figure is lower, between 0.04% and 0.13%, perhaps reflecting underdiagnosis of this condition.[16][17]

Wernicke’s encephalopathy has a higher prevalence in patients with a history of alcohol dependence (12.5%), AIDS (10%), and bone marrow transplantation (6%).[18][19][20][21]​​​​​ Other risk factors include malnutrition of any cause, malignancy, gastrointestinal surgery (particularly bariatric surgery), and hyperemesis gravidarum.[22][23]​​

The prevalence is higher in males (male:female ratio of 1.7:1).[17] One nationwide register study investigating the incidence and mortality of Wernicke's encephalopathy reported an incidence per 100,000 person-years of 3.7 in men (95% CI 3.4 to 3.9) and 1.2 in women (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3).[24]​ This finding is attributed to the increased frequency of alcohol-use disorders in men; however, non-alcohol-related Wernicke's encephalopathy may be more common in women.[25]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer