Coma mixedematoso / Myxedema coma

El hipotiroidismo es una enfermedad frecuente, de diagnóstico y tratamiento simples. Si no es detectada a tiempo puede progresar a la forma más grave conocida como coma mixedematoso. El término "coma mixedematoso" es considerado generalmente engañoso, ya que la mayoría de los pacientes no se presenta inicialmente en estado de coma. La progresión típica es la letargia, evolucionando al estupor y eventualmente al coma, con insuficiencia respiratoria e hipotermia. Es relativamente infrecuente, afecta fundamentalmente a mujeres ancianas, y a menudo ocurre en invierno. Esta entidad debe ser considerada una forma de hipotiroidismo descompensado, desencadenada a partir de una variedad de enfermedades o condiciones no tiroideas que provocan un compromiso sistémico generalizado de extrema gravedad, con desenlace fatal de no mediar un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento intensivo.

Hypothyroidism is a frequently diagnosed and simply treated disease. If not recognised, however, in time it may develop into the most severe manifestation of hypothyroidism known as myxedema coma. The term "myxedema coma" is generally seen as misleading since most patients do not initially present in a coma. The typical progression is lethargy evolving into stupor and, eventually, into coma with respiratory failure and hypothermia. It mainly affects elderly women, often occurring in winter and is relatively rare. It can be considered a form of decompensated hypothyroidism often triggered by a variety of non-thyroid conditions or diseases provoking an extremely severe condition of multiple system failure with lethal consequences unless an early diagnosis is made and an aggressive treatment is administered.

Coma mixedematoso / Myxedema coma

El coma mixedematoso es la forma más severa y profunda del hipotiroidismo. Se presenta con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y ancianos. Entre los factores precipitantes se encuentran: la sepsis, la exposición al frío, los eventos agudos graves, el uso de anestésicos, sedantes o narcóticos, así como la descontinuación del tratamiento sustitutivo con hormonas tiroideas, entre otros. El diagnóstico clínico se realiza por la presencia de síntomas y signos característicos de un hipotiroidismo severo, con hipotermia y alteraciones de la conciencia. Apoyan este diagnóstico los hallazgos de laboratorio: hiponatremia, hipoxemia, hipercapnia, alteraciones hemoquímicas y el aumento de la tirotropina por la disminución de las hormonas tiroideas en el caso de la enfermedad primaria. El tratamiento se debe realizar en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, con monitorización, medidas de soporte respiratorio y cardiovascular, calentamiento corporal interno, hidratación, corrección de la hipotensión y de los trastornos electrolíticos. Se administrarán, además, glucocorticoides, antibióticos de amplio espectro y hormonas tiroideas. La evolución depende de la demora en el inicio del tratamiento, la edad, las comorbilidades, la hipotermia persistente y las complicaciones asociadas(AU)

Myxedema coma is the most severe and deepest form of hypothyroidism. It occurs more often in the women and the elderly. Among the unleashing factors found are sepsis, exposure to cold, acute severe events, use of anesthetic drugs, sedatives or narcotics as well as the interruption of the replacement treatment with thyroid hormones, among others. The clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and signs that are characteristic of severe hypothyroidism, with hypothermia and altered consciousness. This diagnosis is also supported by the lab findings: hyponatremia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, hemochemical alterations and the rise of thyrotropin due to the decrease of thyroid hormones in the case of the primary disease. The patient should be treated in an intensive care unit, by using monitoring, respiratory and cardiovascular support, internal body heating, hydration, correction of hypotension and control of electrolytic disorders. Additionally, glycocorticoids, broad-spectrum antibiotics and thyroid hormones should be administered. The progression of the disease depends on the delay in starting the treatment, the age, the comorbidities, the persistent hypothermia and the associated complications(AU)

ReVersible Changes of Clinical Chemical Tests in Severe Hypothyroid Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Who Were Admitted for Radioiodine Therapy

PURPOSE: Severe hypothyroidism can cause abnormalities in numerous clinical chemical test results. We observed various reVersible changes of clinical chemical test results in patients with severe hypothyroidism who were admitted for radioiodine ablation therapy after total thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to describe and discuss the findings. METHODS: The study comprised 168 patients (24 males, 144 females, mean age 49+/-14 years) who underwent total thyroidectomy due to differentiated thyroid cancer and who were admitted for I-131 ablation therapy. Patients who had hepatic or renal dysfunction were excluded. RESULTS: Serum mean levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, lactic dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and creatinine were significantly increased to the upper normal range during severe hypothyroid state (serum thyroid stimulating hormone >30 uIU/ml). While serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) remained unchanged. Six patients who showed abnormal serum creatinine level during hypothyroid condition returned to normal after recovery of thyroid function. CONCLUSION: Results of clinical chemical tests for hepatic, lipid and renal function are often increased reversibly in severely hypothyroid patients. Reversible, abnormal serum creatinine levels may develop in some cases. Follow-up study is necessary in induced severely hypothyroid patients for radioiodine therapy to differentiate the reversibility of chemical tests.