Domínguez-Borgúa A, Fonseca-Entzana MT, Trejo-Martínez MÁ

Language: Spanish
References: 9
Page: 223-228
PDF size: 618.96 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Myxedema coma is the most extreme manifestation of hypothyroidism, a condition being rare but potentially lethal. Few cases are reported in the literature, yet they all agree on the severity of this condition and report a mortality of 30% to 60%. It occurs mostly in women older than 60 years, with a history of hypothyroidism and mainly during the winter months. This condition occurs when body’s compensatory mechanisms are overcome secondary to a trigger (infection, burns, trauma, hypothermia, etc.). For diagnosis these triggers should be taken into account, as well as impaired alertness and impaired thermoregulation. Diagnosis might be supported in the presence of hypotension, hypoxia, hypercapnia and changes in laboratory, such as thyroid profile, serum electrolytes, increased serum creatinine and creatine phosphokinase. Treatment should be based on early recognition, replacement thyroid hormones, steroids and appropriate management support. We present a representative case of this entity attended at Regional Hospital of Tlalnepantla, Mexico.

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