Wernicke's encephalopathy during total parenteral nutrition in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute pancreatitis.

We herein describe a 16-year-old child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute pancreatitis who developed Wernicke's encephalopathy secondary to prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) that lacked vitamin B1 supplementation. The patient showed a direct and complete response to thiamine therapy. Diagnostic challenges are discussed and recommendations for prophylactic vitamin B1 supplementation in children with leukemia who are placed on TPN are made.