Thyroid Storm (Thyroid Crisis): Difference between revisions

No edit summary
No edit summary
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*Myasthenia gravis  
*Myasthenia gravis  


== Medications==
== Management==
Thyroid storm is a rare life-threatening medical emergency and is difficult to diagnose. An interprofessional team including an intensivist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, internist, emergency department physician, and infectious disease expert is recommended.


'''Thionamide: blocks the production/release of the thyroid hormone, as well as the conversion of T4-T3.'''<br>Types:
These patients are best managed in the ICU. Nurses need to be fully aware of the potential complications and notify the physician if there is any change in the hemodynamic status.


*Propylthiouracil (PTU)  
Treatment of thyroid storm consists of supportive measures eg intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen, cooling blankets, acetaminophen, as well as specific measures to treat hyperthyroidism. If any precipitating factors, like for example an infection, are present, they need to be taken care of first. Patients with thyroid storm must be admitted to the intensive care unit with close cardiac monitoring and ventilatory support as needed.<ref name=":0" />
*Methimazole(MMI)
 
'''Iodine: blocks the conversion of T4-T3. '''<br> Types:
 
*Saturated solution potassium iodine (SSKI)
*Lugol’s Solution
 
IMPORTANT: This MUST only be given 1 hour after PTU has been administered. Iodine is a substrate in the production of the thyroid hormone and could make the situation worse if given before the production has been stopped with the use of PTU.
 
'''Beta Blocker: blocks the sympathetics peripherally'''<br>Types:
 
*Propanolol
*Esmolol
 
'''Steroids: block the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 and in addition boosts the hypothalamic pituitary access.'''<br>Types:
 
*Hydrocortisone
*Decadron<br><br>
 
== Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values  ==
 
Any signs of end organ dysfunction may be seen. Burch and Wartofsky suggested a scoring system to illustrate common features that can be seen when thyrotoxicosis has progressed enough to be considered a thyroid storm (Table 1). <ref name="Carroll">Carroll R, Matfin G. Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: thyroid storm. Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism. 2010 Aug;1(3):139-45.</ref>  
 
[[Image:Diagnostic Criteria for Thyroid Storm.PNG]]<br>
 
IF lab tests are performed TSH values with be low to undetectable and T4 will be high.


== Etiology/Causes  ==
== Etiology/Causes  ==


Thyrotoxicity occurs when there are abnormally high levels of thyroid hormone circulating within the body, most often due to overactivity of the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is the most common form of thyrotoxicosis that leads to a thyroid storm. Other causes include multinodular goiter and toxic adenoma. The full pathophysiology of thyroid storm is unknown, but the exposure of increased numbers of beta1-adrenergic receptors to heightened catecholamine levels during times of stress is thought to play a role. Another cause is thought to be involved with the displacement of free thyroid hormones by inhibiting cytokines during illness.<ref name="Carroll" />  
Thyrotoxicity occurs when there are abnormally high levels of thyroid hormone circulating within the body, most often due to overactivity of the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is the most common form of thyrotoxicosis that leads to a thyroid storm. Other causes include multinodular goiter and toxic adenoma. The full pathophysiology of thyroid storm is unknown, but the exposure of increased numbers of beta1-adrenergic receptors to heightened catecholamine levels during times of stress is thought to play a role. Another cause is thought to be involved with the displacement of free thyroid hormones by inhibiting cytokines during illness.<ref name="Carroll">Carroll R, Matfin G. Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: thyroid storm. Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism. 2010 Aug;1(3):139-45.</ref>  


Precipitating Factors: [2]<sup>&nbsp;[3] [4]</sup>  
Precipitating Factors: [2]<sup>&nbsp;[3] [4]</sup>  
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*Pneumonia  
*Pneumonia  
*Upper respiratory tract infection  
*Upper respiratory tract infection  
*Enteric infections<br><br>
*Enteric infections
 
== Physical Therapy Management ==
== Systemic Involvement  ==
 
Systemic Manifestations of Hyperthyroidism<ref name="Carroll" />
[[Image:Thyroid Storm Systemic.PNG|center]]<br>
 
== Medical Management (current best evidence) ==
 
Three main goals for medicinal treatment of a Thyroid Storm:
 
#Blocking the production and release of the thyroid hormone
#Blocking the sympathetic flow
#Blocking the conversion of T4 to T3
 
Medication that satisfy these goals include:
 
*Thionamides
*Iodines
*Beta Blockers
*Steroids
 
Supportive Care management
 
*Hyperkinesis- Benzodiazepine
*Hyperthermia- Cooling blankets
*Dehydration- IVF, electrolytes
*Fever- tylenol
 
Address the precipitating stressor<br>
 
== Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)  ==


Requires immediate medical attention  
Requires immediate medical attention  
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*Altered consciousness
*Altered consciousness


'''What should be monitored during treatment session?'''<br>Vital signs including: blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.<br>
'''What should be monitored during treatment session?'''<br>Vital signs including: blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.  


Other signs: excessive sweating, shortness of breath, abnormal tenderness with palpation of the thyroid gland, abnormal heart sounds, fever, tremor, and any of the clinical signs listed above.  
Other signs: excessive sweating, shortness of breath, abnormal tenderness with palpation of the thyroid gland, abnormal heart sounds, fever, tremor, and any of the clinical signs listed above.  


'''Hyperthyroidism and Exercise''' (see [[Hyperthyroidism|hyperthyroidism]])<br><br>
'''Hyperthyroidism and Exercise''' (see [[Hyperthyroidism|hyperthyroidism]])  


== Differential Diagnosis  ==
== Differential Diagnosis  ==
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*Sepsis  
*Sepsis  
*CVA  
*CVA  
*Sympathomimetic toxicity<br><br>
*Sympathomimetic toxicity<br>


== Case Reports/ Case Studies  ==
== Case Reports/ Case Studies  ==

Revision as of 02:14, 23 February 2022

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Signs and symptoms hyperthyroidism

Thyroid storm, also known as thyrotoxic crisis, is an acute, life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism that presents with multi-system involvement. The mortality associated with thyroid storm is estimated to be 8-25% despite modern advancements in its treatment and supportive measures.[1] A throid storm is usually seen following illness, trauma, surgery or other major physiological stress in an individual with existing thyrotoxicity. Thyroid storm accounts for about 1% to 2% of admissions for hyperthyroidism.[1]

Thyroid storm occurs most commonly in those with uncontrolled or undiagnosed thyrotoxicity with an added precipitating factor. Individuals with a history of hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, adenoma or any other cause of endogenous thyrotoxicity are at the highest risk for experiencing a thyroid storm[2][3][4]

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Presentation of thyroid storm is an exaggerated manifestation of hyperthyroidism, with the presence of an acute precipitating factor.

Fever of 104 F to 106 F with diaphoresis is a key presenting feature, cardiovascular involvement (including tachycardia, heart failure, arrhythmia), central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, and gastrointestinal symptoms are common.

Physical examination findings may include high temperature, tachycardia, orbitopathy, goiter, hand tremors, moist and warm skin, hyperreflexia, systolic hypertension, and jaundice.[1]

Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Chronic periarthritis
  • Myasthenia gravis

Management[edit | edit source]

Thyroid storm is a rare life-threatening medical emergency and is difficult to diagnose. An interprofessional team including an intensivist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, internist, emergency department physician, and infectious disease expert is recommended.

These patients are best managed in the ICU. Nurses need to be fully aware of the potential complications and notify the physician if there is any change in the hemodynamic status.

Treatment of thyroid storm consists of supportive measures eg intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen, cooling blankets, acetaminophen, as well as specific measures to treat hyperthyroidism. If any precipitating factors, like for example an infection, are present, they need to be taken care of first. Patients with thyroid storm must be admitted to the intensive care unit with close cardiac monitoring and ventilatory support as needed.[1]

Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]

Thyrotoxicity occurs when there are abnormally high levels of thyroid hormone circulating within the body, most often due to overactivity of the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is the most common form of thyrotoxicosis that leads to a thyroid storm. Other causes include multinodular goiter and toxic adenoma. The full pathophysiology of thyroid storm is unknown, but the exposure of increased numbers of beta1-adrenergic receptors to heightened catecholamine levels during times of stress is thought to play a role. Another cause is thought to be involved with the displacement of free thyroid hormones by inhibiting cytokines during illness.[5]

Precipitating Factors: [2] [3] [4]

  • Trauma
  • Infection
  • Surgery
  • Emotional/Physiological Stress
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Pneumonia
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Enteric infections

Physical Therapy Management[edit | edit source]

Requires immediate medical attention

When medical attention is required?
In a patient experiences the following, especially those with a history of Hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease:

  • Tachycardia
  • Palpitations
  • Hyperthermia
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Altered consciousness

What should be monitored during treatment session?
Vital signs including: blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Other signs: excessive sweating, shortness of breath, abnormal tenderness with palpation of the thyroid gland, abnormal heart sounds, fever, tremor, and any of the clinical signs listed above.

Hyperthyroidism and Exercise (see hyperthyroidism)

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of thyroid storm is made based on clinical assessment as it is a medical emergency and treatment can not wait until lab results are provided. The diagnostic criteria discussed in Table 1 above are used to help guide the clinician in diagnosis. Other conditions to differentiate between for thyroid storm include:

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Graves Disease
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Hypoglycemic Attack
  • Sepsis
  • CVA
  • Sympathomimetic toxicity

Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]

1. Intraoperative Thyroid Storm: A Case Report

http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=be2eb971-e9c0-47be-8fa3-2d63ac084f75%40sessionmgr4005&vid=12&hid=4210
Case report of an 18 year old female who was 1 year post diagnosis of Graves’ Disease and was underwent elective thyroidectomy surgery. 30 minutes into the surgery the patient’s heart rate and temperature started to rise. Treatment was performed to combat the thyroid crisis and the surgery to remove her thyroid was completed.

2.Thyroid Storm Precipitated by Duodenal Ulcer Perforation

http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=be2eb971-e9c0-47be-8fa3-2d63ac084f75%40sessionmgr4005&vid=12&hid=4210
Thyroid storm triggered by a gastrointestinal perforation in a 55 year old Japanese man. Admitted to the hospital for leg edema and acute severe abdominal pain. On arrival he presented with tachycardia with a goiter, altered consciousness, atrial fibrillation, and swelling of the abdomen.

3. Thyroid Storm during induction of anesthesia http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3506864/
Case report of a 50 year old woman who experienced a thyroid storm during anesthesia induction for a humeral fracture repair. Patient presented with no history of hyperthyroidism nor abnormal signs preoperatively. However, reported weight loss, intermittent palpitations, and hand tremors for the past year.

Resources[edit | edit source]

http://thyroidmanager.org
http://endocrinediseases.org/
http://www.thyroid.org/
https://www.nahypothyroidism.org/

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Pokhrel B, Aiman W, Bhusal K. Thyroid storm. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448095/(accessed 23.2.2022)
  2. Chiha M., Samarasinghe S., Kabaker A.Thyroid Storm: An Updated Review.fckLRJournal of Intensive Care Medicine.fckLR 2015; 30(3)131-140. http://jic.sagepub.com/content/30/3/131.full.pdf+html
  3. De Groot LJ, Bartalena L. Thyroid Storm. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth: MDText.com, 2000. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278927/
  4. Bartalena L, Hennemann G. Graves’ Disease: Complications. Endotext [Internet].fckLR South Dartmouth: MDText.com, 2000. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285551/
  5. Carroll R, Matfin G. Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: thyroid storm. Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism. 2010 Aug;1(3):139-45.