What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid storm?

The sudden and drastic increase in thyroid hormones can produce many effects, including fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, severe weakness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), severe low blood pressure, and coma. Thyroid storm requires immediate emergency care.

How do we describe thyroid storm?

A thyroid storm is a rare health condition that occurs as a result of untreated hyperthyroidism. Your body enters overdrive as a result of too many thyroid hormones in its system. A thyroid storm is a potentially life threatening combination of symptoms including rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and fever.

What happens during thyroid storm?

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism in which your thyroid suddenly makes and releases a large amount of thyroid hormone in a short amount of time. Thyroid storm is rare and requires immediate medical attention.

What labs indicate thyroid storm?

Usual findings include elevated triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and free T4 levels; increased T3 resin uptake; suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels; and an elevated 24-hour iodine uptake. TSH levels are not suppressed in the rare instances of excess TSH secretion.

What is the difference between thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm?

Thyrotoxicosis is a common endocrine condition that may be secondary to a number of underlying processes. Thyroid storm (also known as thyroid or thyrotoxic crisis) represents the severe end of the spectrum of thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by compromised organ function.

Which patient is most at risk for thyroid storm?

Age
  • Thyroid storm may occur at any age but is most common in those in their third through sixth decades of life.
  • Graves disease predominantly affects those aged 20-40 years.
  • The prevalence of toxic multinodular goiter increases with age and becomes the primary cause of hyperthyroidism in elderly persons.

Which drug should be given first to a patient with thyroid storm?

Beta1-selective adrenergic receptor antagonists (landiolol, esmolol [intravenous], or bisoprolol [oral]) should be selected as the first choice of treatment for tachycardia in thyroid storm; other beta1-selective oral drugs are also recommended; although the nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol …

What medication is used for thyroid storm?

Administer antithyroid medications to block further synthesis of thyroid hormones (THs). High-dose propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole may be used for treatment of thyroid storm.

Does thyroid storm cause hypoglycemia?

Hyperthyroidism usually induces impaired glucose tolerance. However, hyperthyroidism with congestive heart failure or liver dysfunction is considered to induce hypoglycemia, but this is very rare. We describe here a case of thyroid crisis accompanied with severe hypoglycemia.

What is another name for thyroid storm?

Thyroid storm, also known as thyrotoxic crisis, is an acute, life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. It is an exaggerated presentation of thyrotoxicosis.

How do you manage a thyroid storm?

The approach to treatment of thyroid storm includes the following:
  1. Supportive measures.
  2. Antiadrenergic drugs.
  3. Thionamides.
  4. Iodine preparations.
  5. Glucocorticoids.
  6. Bile acid sequestrants.
  7. Treatment of the underlying condition.
  8. Rarely plasmapheresis.

Which situation in a client with hyperthyroidism may precipitate thyroid crisis thyroid storm )?

Although thyroid storm can develop in patients with longstanding untreated hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, solitary toxic adenoma), it is often precipitated by an acute event such as thyroid or nonthyroidal surgery, trauma, infection, an acute iodine load (including amiodarone use), or …

What triggers thyroid storm?

Although thyroid storm can develop if you have long-term untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism, it’s often caused by a sudden and intense (acute) event or situation. Sudden events that can trigger a thyroid storm include: Suddenly stop taking your antithyroid medication. Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy).

Which drug should be given first to a patient with thyroid storm?

Beta1-selective adrenergic receptor antagonists (landiolol, esmolol [intravenous], or bisoprolol [oral]) should be selected as the first choice of treatment for tachycardia in thyroid storm; other beta1-selective oral drugs are also recommended; although the nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol …

What are 3 symptoms of Graves disease?

What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease?
  • weight loss, despite an increased appetite.
  • rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, fatigue.
  • shaky hands, muscle weakness.
  • sweating or trouble tolerating heat.
  • frequent bowel movements.
  • an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter.

Does thyroid storm cause hypoglycemia?

Hyperthyroidism usually induces impaired glucose tolerance. However, hyperthyroidism with congestive heart failure or liver dysfunction is considered to induce hypoglycemia, but this is very rare. We describe here a case of thyroid crisis accompanied with severe hypoglycemia.