Comparative value of pyruvate determination after glucose loading and transketolase determination for the diagnosis of the Wernicke-Korsakow syndrome.

The determination of transketolase activity and of pyruvic acid after glucose loading in 20 patients with the Wernicke-Korsakow syndrome and in 14 other patients is described. Glucose loading took place after the first injection of thiamine. Normal values for transketolase were found in 10 patients with the Wernicke-Korsakow syndrome, for pyruvic acid after glucose loading in three, for both of these determinations in only one patient. The normal values found for transketolase were probably due in most cases to the administration of thiamine before admission. For practical purposes it is suggested that both determinations be done in all patients with the clinical diagnosis Wernicke-Korsakow's syndrome.