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- Title
Outbreak of life-threatening thiamine deficiency in infants in Israel caused by a defective soy-based formula.
- Authors
Fattal-Valevski, Aviva; Kesler, Anat; Sela, Ben-Ami; Nitzan-Kaluski, Dorit; Rotstein, Michael; Mesterman, Ronit; Toledano-Alhadef, Hagit; Stolovitch, Chaim; Hoffmann, Chen; Globus, Omer; Eshel, Gideon
- Abstract
Between October and November 2003, several infants with encephalopathy were hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units in Israel. Two died of cardiomyopathy. Analysis of the accumulated data showed that all had been fed the same brand of soy-based formula (Remedia Super Soya 1), specifically manufactured for the Israeli market. The source was identified on November 6, 2003, when a 5.5-month-old infant was admitted to Sourasky Medical Center with upbeat nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, and vomiting. Wernicke's encephalopathy was suspected, and treatment with supplementary thiamine was started. His condition improved within hours. Detailed history revealed that the infant was being fed the same formula, raising suspicions that it was deficient in thiamine. The formula was tested by the Israeli public health authorities, and the thiamine level was found to be undetectable (<0.5 microg/g). The product was pulled from the shelves, and the public was alerted. Thiamine deficiency in infants is very rare in developed countries. The aim of this study was to report the epidemiology of the outbreak and to describe the diagnosis, clinical course, and outcome of 9 affected infants in our care.
- Publication
Pediatrics, 2005, Vol 115, Issue 2, pe233
- ISSN
1098-4275
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1542/peds.2004-1255