Clinical Features and Outcomes of Myxedema Coma in Patients Hospitalized for Hypothyroidism: Analysis of the United States National Inpatient Sample.

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition and chronic thyroid hormone deficiency is associated with adverse effects across multiple organ systems. In compensated hypothyroidism, however, patients remain clinically stable due to gradual physiological adaptation. In contrast, the clinical syndrome of decompensated hypothyroidism referred to as myxedema coma (MC) is an endocrine emergency with high risk of mortality. Because of its rarity, there are currently limited data regarding MC. This study analyzes the clinical features and hospital outcomes of MC compared with hypothyroid patients without MC (nonMChypo) in national United States hospital data. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample, a public database of inpatient admissions to nonfederal hospitals in the United States, 2016-2018, including adult patients with primary diagnosis of MC (International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision [ICD-10]: E03.5) or nonMChypo (E03.0-E03.9, E89.0). Patient demographics, relevant clinical features, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospital costs were compared. Results: Of 18,635 patients hospitalized for hypothyroidism, 2495 (13.4%) had a diagnosis of MC. Sex distribution and race/ethnicity were similar between patients with MC and nonMChypo, whereas MC was associated with older patient age (p = 0.02), public insurance (p = 0.01), and unhoused status (p = 0.04). More admissions with MC occurred in winter compared with other seasons (p = 0.01). The overall mortality rate for MC was 6.8% versus 0.7% for nonMChypo (p < 0.001), and MC was independently associated with in-hospital mortality after adjusted regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio = 9.92 [CI 5.69-17.28], p < 0.001). Mean LOS ± standard error was 9.64 ± 0.73 days for MC versus 4.62 ± 0.12 days for nonMChypo (p < 0.001), and total hospital cost for MC was $21,768 ± $1759 versus $8941 ± $276 for nonMChypo (p = 0.07). In linear regression analyses, MC was an independent predictor of both increased LOS and total hospital cost. Conclusions: In summary, MC remains a clinically significant diagnosis in the modern era, independently associated with high mortality and health care costs. This continued burden demonstrates a need for further efforts to prevent, identify, and optimize treatment for patients with MC.

Case Report of Graves' Disease in a 45-Year-Old Woman Secondary to Herceptin Treatment for Breast Cancer.

Graves' disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by ophthalmopathy with proptosis, chemosis, or conjunctival injection; pretibial myxedema; and thyroid acropachy. It is an autoimmune disease that can be genetic or influenced by coexisting environmental factors such as exposure to anticancer drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. The incidence rate of breast cancer is increasing due to rising awareness of risk factors and screening for breast cancer, and the mortality rate is decreasing due to recent advances in cancer treatment. However, there are side effects that are attributed to these treatment modalities, manifesting in various forms in breast cancer survivors, which are reflected in the patient in this case study.

Myxedema coma: Recognition and treatment.

ABSTRACT: Myxedema coma (MC) develops from a long-standing, unrecognized, or untreated hypothyroidism. This article discusses the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and nursing considerations for patients with MC.

Endocrine Emergencies in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.

Endocrine emergencies are underdiagnosed and often overlooked amid the management of severe multisystem pathologies in critically ill patients in the medical intensive care unit (ICU). In an appropriate clinical scenario, a low threshold of suspicion should be kept to investigate for various life-threatening, yet completely treatable, endocrinopathies. Prompt identification and treatment of endocrine emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis, myxedema coma, thyroid storm, and/or adrenal insufficiency leads to fewer complications, shorter ICU and hospital stay, and improved survival. This review article entails common endocrine emergencies encountered in the ICU and addresses their epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management.

Sudden cardiac arrest associated with myxedema coma due to undiagnosed hypothyroidism: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Myxedema coma, which occurs due to hypothyroidism, is a rare and life-threatening condition. Some patients have hemodynamic dysfunction, which consequently leads to cardiac arrest. The rarity of this condition makes it difficult to determine the cause of cardiac arrest. It is important to diagnose myxedema coma based on clinical findings, including physical examination and laboratory parameters. We present a case of undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroidism that initially caused myxedema coma and then led to cardiac arrest. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old woman who had no medical history was transferred to our hospital for the management of return of spontaneous circulation due to sudden cardiac arrest. Findings of laboratory tests revealed that she had hypothyroidism. On physical examination, she was found to have a puffy face, thin eyebrows, and severe systemic non-pitting edema. Therefore, the patient was clinically diagnosed with myxedema coma, which was the cause of cardiac arrest. She was treated with thyroid hormone and hydrocortisone, resulting in improvement in her general condition, except for the neurological dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that myxedema coma is caused by undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroidism, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Our findings are useful in the differential diagnosis of hypothyroidism based on characteristic physical examination findings. Clinicians should be aware of the differential diagnosis of myxedema coma based on findings from physical examination and laboratory testing of thyroid function, and the treatment should be started immediately.

Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition in which the thyroid gland provides insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone for the needs of peripheral tissues. The most common cause in adults is chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis), but there are many other causes. Because most of the clinical features of hypothyroidism are nonspecific, the diagnosis requires laboratory testing. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement is the best diagnostic test; an elevated TSH level almost always signals primary hypothyroidism. Serum free thyroxine levels may be below the reference range (overt hypothyroidism) or within the reference range (subclinical hypothyroidism). All patients with overt hypothyroidism should be treated, but those with subclinical hypothyroidism do not always benefit from treatment, especially elderly patients and those with baseline TSH levels below 10 mU/L. Oral L-thyroxine is the treatment of choice because of its well-demonstrated efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Therapy goals are symptom relief and maintenance of serum TSH levels within the reference range. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening form of decompensated hypothyroidism that must be treated with aggressive L-thyroxine replacement and other supportive measures in the inpatient setting.

Myxedema psychosis: A protocol for a systematic review and a pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myxedema psychosis (MP) is a rare presentation of hypothyroidism. Although known for >70 years, a significant lack of systematic literature describing this condition exists. This limits the clinician's ability to identify and manage this entity properly. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature and summarize the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of this rare entity. METHODS: Systematic review following PRISMA guidance. We will perform a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar (first 300 hits), and Cochrane databases for published observational studies, case series, and case reports. We will use descriptive statistics to provide summary estimates of demographics, common presenting features, laboratory test results, imaging findings, treatment administered, and outcomes. Moreover, continuous variables will be compared by the Wilcoxon Mann Whitney test, whereas categorical variables will be assessed by the χ test. Bivariate and multivariate regression will be performed to assess risk factors associated with poor outcome. A scoping review revealed that a meta-analysis might not be feasible owing to the paucity of systematic studies describing the condition. RESULTS: This is the first systematic review examining this rare entity. Thus, the result of which will be significant. We hope that this review will help in identifying relevant predictive clinical or laboratory characteristics. Additionally, it identifies the best treatment strategies. The findings of this review will help increase our knowledge of this condition so as to recognize this condition promptly. Also, it will assist in differentiating MP from masqueraders, such as Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE). The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: This is the first systematic review exploring MP demographics, diagnosis treatment, and outcomes. The information gathered by this review will be necessary for patients, clinicians, researchers, and guideline makers. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020160310.

Mixedema pretibial en enfermedad de Graves / Pretibial myxoedema in Graves' disease

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Thyroid emergencies.

Myxedema coma and thyroid storm are among the most common endocrine emergencies presenting to general hospitals. Myxedema coma represents the most extreme, life­threatening expression of severe hypothyroidism, with patients showing deteriorating mental status, hypothermia, and multiple organ system abnormalities. It typically appears in patients with preexisting hypothyroidism via a common pathway of respiratory decompensation with carbon dioxide narcosis leading to coma. Without early and appropriate therapy, the outcome is often fatal. The diagnosis is based on history and physical findings at presentation and not on any objective thyroid laboratory test. Clinically based scoring systems have been proposed to aid in the diagnosis. While it is a relatively rare syndrome, the typical patient is an elderly woman (thyroid hypofunction being much more common in women) who may or may not have a history of previously diagnosed or treated thyroid dysfunction. Thyrotoxic storm or thyroid crisis is also a rare condition, established on the basis of a clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the presence of severe hyperthyroidism accompanied by elements of systemic decompensation. Considering that mortality is high without aggressive treatment, therapy must be initiated as early as possible in a critical care setting. The diagnosis cannot be established based on laboratory tests alone, but several scoring systems are available. The usual clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are present along with more exaggerated clinical manifestations affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. A multipronged approach has been recommended and has been associated with improved outcomes.

Postoperative myxedema coma in patients undergoing major surgery: Case series.

OBJECTIVE: Myxedema coma is a serious complication of hypothyroidism that can be precipitated by major surgery. It is extremely rare, with only a few reports in the literature. This study aims to present a relatively large case series of post-surgical myxedema coma and to analyze medical and surgical risk factors. METHODS: Analysis of the patients' surgical records and medical charts. RESULTS: Four patients developed postoperative myxedema coma and were evaluated for risk factors. Three had known hypothyroidism. Two had undergone large head and neck composite resections necessitating a free flap repair for malignant disease. One had undergone coronary artery bypass graft for ischemic heart disease, and another had undergone endoscopic cholecystectomy for complicated cholecystitis. All four patients required prolonged hospitalization, including treatment in the intensive care unit. One patient had undergone full cardiopulmonary resuscitation directly related to the myxedema coma state. CONCLUSION: We present a series of four patients who developed myxedema coma following major surgery. We recommend that patients with known hypothyroidism who are scheduled for major surgery should be tested for thyroid function status and assessed for postoperative risk of hypothyroidism. Those who develop complications following major surgery, should be immediately tested for thyroid function to rule out myxedema coma.

Myxedema Heart Disease: A Rare Disease Entity: Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Myxedema heart disease is an extremely rare disease entity and should be suspected in patients with unexplained heart failure refractory to conventional treatment. Myxedema coma with co- existent heart disease is not well known and very few cases have been reported. CONCLUSION: Here, we present an interesting case of myxedema coma with severe valvular cardiomyopathy followed by a concise review of the literature with special emphasis on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic modalities.

Comatose patient with hypothermia, dyspnea, and general edema in the emergency department: a case report.

Patients presenting to the emergency department with hypothermia are rare and often require prompt diagnosis and management. Myxedema coma, which may cause severe hypothermia, is a true endocrine emergency requiring early and appropriate treatment. We report on a 47-year-old woman with a history of hyperthyroidism who underwent thyroidectomy 5 years previously, with no regular medication or examinations. She presented to the emergency department with a 1-month history of progressive dyspnea associated with general weakness. She also showed hypothermia, decreased mental status, and general edema. Echocardiography revealed increased pericardial effusion without tamponade. Laboratory examination suggested myxedema coma and hypothyroidism. She received thyroxine, glucocorticoid supplement, and intensive supportive care, after which she gradually improved and was discharged. This case suggests that myxedema coma should be considered in patients with hypothyroidism or a history of thyroidectomy who present with change in consciousness, hypothermia, or other symptoms related to critical or slow presentation in multiple organs. Moreover, long-standing hypothyroidism or precipitating acute events such as sepsis, cerebrovascular accidents, gastrointestinal bleeding, cold exposure, trauma, and some medications may also cause myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is associated with a high mortality, and patients suspected to be suffering from this condition should be treated without delay.

[Thyroid Storm and Myxedema Coma]. / Thyreotoxische Krise und Myxödemkoma.

Thyroid storm and myxedema coma are the most severe clinical forms of thyroid dysfunction. While both hyper- and hypothyroidsm are common diseases, thyroid storm and myxedema coma are rare. Due to their unspecific signs and symptoms they are often difficult to diagnose. Both disorders are medical emergencies, which still show a significant mortality. The following article summarizes diagnostic tools and treatment options for these disorders.

Myasthenic Crisis Complicated with Myxedema, Positive for Both Anti-acetylcholine Receptor and Anti-muscle-specific Tyrosine Kinase Antibodies.

We herein report the case of myasthenic crisis occurring in a 51-year-old man. He had experienced ptosis, increased body weight with edema, and fatigue with dyspnea. He presented at our emergency department with disturbed consciousness. He was originally diagnosed with myxedema coma, and he required artificial respiration. Because his weakness persisted and he was positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, we diagnosed myasthenic crisis after various examinations. His clinical response to treatment was good and he was discharged in an ambulatory status 3 months after admission. This case demonstrates that myasthenic crisis may occur in association with myxedema.

Challenges in the Management of a Patient with Myxoedema Coma in Ghana: A Case Report.

Myxoedema coma is a rare life-threatening disease, and it is essential that it is managed appropriately to reduce the associated high mortality. However, in the setting where efficient healthcare delivery is hampered by inadequacies, the management of such cases may pose a significant challenge. We present the case of a middle-aged woman diagnosed with myxoedema coma and severe hyponatremia. The case report highlights some of the challenges that may be encountered during the management of myxoedema coma in similar settings and outlines the management strategies undertaken to overcome them in the absence of national guidelines. It also brings to the fore the need for clinicians to look out for clinical features suggestive of hypothyroidism particularly among high risk individuals for early diagnosis and treatment. FUNDING: None declared.