Myxoedema coma
Turner, B.
Acute Medicine 4(2): 57-61
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1747-4884 PMID: 21655518 Document Number: 17859
Myxoedema coma is a rare and extreme presentation of hypothyroidism. It has a poor prognosis due to multisystem decompensation, and demands prompt but careful management in a high-dependency / intensive care setting. Early recognition of hypercapnia, hyponatraemia, and sepsis are especially important. Treatment should begin on suspicion of the diagnosis and can be life-saving. Intravenous thyroid hormone replacement is required at first, with steroid cover, although the optimum dose regimen remains unclear.
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