Life-threatening endocrinologic emergencies
Haenel, L.C.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 82(5): 344-353
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6151 PMID: 6402466 Document Number: 204987
Various endocrine emergencies may threaten life. Some of these result from derangements of carbohydrate metabolism. Hypoglycemia may be induced by insulin, sulfonylurea, alcohol, fasting or islet-cell adenomas, but the initial therapy is the same regardless of the etiology. The differential features of 2 kinds of hyperglycemic crises-diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic and nonketotic coma are explored. The thyroid emergencies that may confront the clinician include thyroid storm and myxedema coma. Diagnosis is usually straight-forward, but the treatment is more demanding. Addisonian crisis is rare but immediate therapy during testing should bring dramatic improvement.