A thyroid crisis is a rare, but most dangerous, and life-threatening complication that can develop in the course of hyperthyroidism. Immediate hospitalization is then necessary. What are the causes of a thyroid crisis? How to recognize its symptoms? How is the treatment going?

Thyroid crisis , or "thyrotoxic storm" or thyrotoxic crisis, is an exacerbation of symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The rapid increase in the level of thyroid hormones leads to hypercatabolism, i.e. the uncontrolled breakdown of cells. The effect is, among others the formation of a large number of protein metabolism products that poison the body.

Thyroid crisis: causes

A thyroid crisis usually occurs in people who have an overactive thyroid gland who suddenly stopped taking drugs that suppress the production of thyroid hormones (thyroid stimulants) or are not treated properly. A thyroid crisis may also develop as a result of an exacerbation of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the course of Graves' disease and in the case of nodular hyperthyroidism. In he althy people, a crisis may indicate an undiagnosed hyperthyroidism.

In people diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the factors that increase the risk of a thyroid crisis are:

  • bacterial or viral infection
  • trauma
  • severe burn
  • hypoglycemia
  • diabetic ketoacidosis
  • surgery (in particular, an operation on the thyroid gland during an overactive gland)
  • thyroid hormone overdose
  • use of contrast agents or iodine-containing medications
  • pulmonary embolism
  • pregnancy
  • stress

Thyroid crisis: symptoms

A characteristic symptom of a thyroid crisis is high body temperature (39-41 degrees C). There is also sweating, vomiting and diarrhea, which very quickly lead to dehydration. A dangerous symptom is increased heart rate - over 140 beats per minute (tachycardia). It is the result of the direct action of the thyroid gland hormones on the conductive system. In addition, there are symptoms that are considered typical for a thyroid crisis, such as :

  • unsteadinessemotional
  • disorientation and awareness
  • anxiety and delirium
  • insomnia
  • skin redness
  • nausea
  • weight loss
  • jaundice
  • body tremors and muscle weakness
  • hypotension (hypotension)
Important

Thyroid crisis is life threatening!

A thyroid crisis is a directly life-threatening condition as it can lead to a circulatory collapse (the crisis is most often accompanied by atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia). It is the arrhythmias and circulatory failure that are the most common causes of death in patients. In addition, thyroid crisis can lead to multi-organ failure or coma. Therefore, when symptoms of a thyroid crisis appear in a patient, an ambulance should be called as soon as possible.

Thyroid crisis: first aid and treatment

Since thyroid crisis is life-threatening (30-50 percent of cases are fatal), the patient must be hospitalized as soon as possible - preferably an endocrinology clinic. The timing and speed of action are extremely important as the complication is often accompanied by atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia - conditions that lead to cardiovascular collapse. In addition, multi-organ failure or coma may develop. Therefore, immediately after noticing alarming symptoms in a patient with hyperthyroidism, an ambulance should be called. Before the ambulance arrives, cold compresses can be made to lower the patient's body temperature.

In the hospital, the patient is immediately transfused with plasma or whole blood. It is also necessary to correct electrolyte disturbances and lower body temperature. Some patients need beta-blockers to stop the heart from adversely affecting the thyroid gland.

Once the situation has been brought under control and the patient is no longer at risk of losing his life, he or she is given drugs that are designed to suppress the secretion of thyroid hormones. Sometimes dialysis is necessary to clear the blood.

After a full-blown thyroid crisis, patients recover very slowly. They are usually very weak and have symptoms of severe thyroid myopathy (muscle damage), which means that they have to stay in bed for many days.

Important

A thyroid crisis can be confused with a pheochromocytoma, a vegetative crisis, or drug poisoning. Similar symptoms may also appear in people who have taken psychoactive substances, are permanently exposed to great stress, are in high temperature (tropical climate) or are exposed to excessive exposure to sunlight.

"Zdrowie" monthly

Category:

He alth