Beriberi heart disease in Durban. A retrospective study.

A review of 41 possible cases of beriberi diagnosed in a 4-year period (1981-1985) revealed that the diagnosis was fairly certain in 23 patients, although measurements of red cell transketolase had not been performed. Fifteen patients had classic (high-output) beriberi and 8 acute beriberi (shoshin type). This article calls for an increased awareness of the condition so that appropriate and timely therapy may be instituted.