Thyroid Emergencies

Key considerations

The lecture duration is 28min.

0.5 CPD Points, 0.5 CEUs, 0.5 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Arti Bhan
Dr. Arti Bhan is an endocrinologist in Detroit, Michigan, USA
Lecture Summary

Thyroid Emergencies are rare, life-threatening conditions resulting from thyroid hormone excess, (thyroid storm) or deficiency of thyroid hormone (myxedema). Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy is essential, as mortality rates are very high. Myxedema coma is decompensated severe hypothyroidism, presenting with hypothermia, hypotension, bradycardia, altered mental status and respiratory failure. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose this condition and treatment should be initiated promptly, without waiting for supporting laboratory data. Multimodal therapy with thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids, and supportive treatment with mechanical ventilation and pressors is indicated. Thyroid storm is characterized by severely exaggerated symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The most common precipitating causes are abrupt cessation of antithyroid medications, any surgery, or an underlying infection. Early diagnosis and initiation of antithyroid drug therapy, glucocorticoids and beta blockers is indicated in order to improve survival.

Target Audience

Emergency Medicine Doctors & Nurses
Critical Care Doctors & Nurses
Paramedics
Rural GP's

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Discuss thyroid hormone physiology
  • Review pathophysiology of Thyroid Storm and Myxedema Coma
  • Evaluation and treatment of Thyroid emergencies

None.