Myxedema coma: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Myxedema coma | |||
| synonyms = Myxedema crisis | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Hypothermia]], [[hypotension]], [[bradycardia]], [[hypoventilation]], [[altered mental status]] | |||
| complications = [[Respiratory failure]], [[heart failure]], [[coma]] | |||
| onset = Gradual worsening of [[hypothyroidism]] | |||
| duration = Acute | |||
| causes = Severe [[hypothyroidism]], often precipitated by [[infection]], [[cold exposure]], or [[medication]] | |||
| risks = [[Elderly]], [[female]], [[history of thyroid disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, supported by [[thyroid function tests]] | |||
| differential = [[Sepsis]], [[adrenal insufficiency]], [[hypoglycemia]], [[stroke]] | |||
| treatment = [[Intravenous]] [[thyroid hormone replacement]], [[supportive care]] | |||
| medication = [[Levothyroxine]], [[liothyronine]] | |||
| prognosis = High mortality if untreated, improved with prompt treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Myxedema Coma''' is a severe, life-threatening form of [[hypothyroidism]] that is characterized by mental and physical sluggishness. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. | '''Myxedema Coma''' is a severe, life-threatening form of [[hypothyroidism]] that is characterized by mental and physical sluggishness. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. | ||
== Signs and Symptoms == | == Signs and Symptoms == | ||
The signs and symptoms of myxedema coma can vary widely, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism. Some common signs and symptoms include: | The signs and symptoms of myxedema coma can vary widely, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism. Some common signs and symptoms include: | ||
* Extreme fatigue | * Extreme fatigue | ||
* Cold intolerance | * Cold intolerance | ||
| Line 16: | Line 31: | ||
* Muscle aches and stiffness | * Muscle aches and stiffness | ||
* Swelling of the hands, feet, and face | * Swelling of the hands, feet, and face | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Myxedema coma is usually caused by long-term, untreated [[hypothyroidism]]. Other potential causes can include: | Myxedema coma is usually caused by long-term, untreated [[hypothyroidism]]. Other potential causes can include: | ||
* Infections | * Infections | ||
* Certain medications | * Certain medications | ||
| Line 28: | Line 40: | ||
* Heart failure | * Heart failure | ||
* Respiratory failure | * Respiratory failure | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of myxedema coma is based on the patient's clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The most definitive test is a blood test to measure the levels of thyroid hormones ([[thyroxine]] (T4) and [[triiodothyronine]] (T3)) and [[thyroid-stimulating hormone]] (TSH). | Diagnosis of myxedema coma is based on the patient's clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The most definitive test is a blood test to measure the levels of thyroid hormones ([[thyroxine]] (T4) and [[triiodothyronine]] (T3)) and [[thyroid-stimulating hormone]] (TSH). | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of myxedema coma typically involves immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Treatment may include: | Treatment of myxedema coma typically involves immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Treatment may include: | ||
* Hormone replacement therapy | * Hormone replacement therapy | ||
* Supportive care (such as warming blankets and intravenous fluids) | * Supportive care (such as warming blankets and intravenous fluids) | ||
* Treatment of underlying causes or triggers | * Treatment of underlying causes or triggers | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for myxedema coma is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, with prompt and aggressive treatment, it is possible for patients to recover. | The prognosis for myxedema coma is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, with prompt and aggressive treatment, it is possible for patients to recover. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Hypothyroidism]] | * [[Hypothyroidism]] | ||
* [[Thyroid]] | * [[Thyroid]] | ||
* [[Thyroid hormones]] | * [[Thyroid hormones]] | ||
* [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone]] | * [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone]] | ||
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]] | [[Category:Endocrine diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
[[Category:Thyroid]] | [[Category:Thyroid]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:51, 4 April 2025
| Myxedema coma | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Myxedema crisis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hypothermia, hypotension, bradycardia, hypoventilation, altered mental status |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, heart failure, coma |
| Onset | Gradual worsening of hypothyroidism |
| Duration | Acute |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Severe hypothyroidism, often precipitated by infection, cold exposure, or medication |
| Risks | Elderly, female, history of thyroid disease |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, supported by thyroid function tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Sepsis, adrenal insufficiency, hypoglycemia, stroke |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Intravenous thyroid hormone replacement, supportive care |
| Medication | Levothyroxine, liothyronine |
| Prognosis | High mortality if untreated, improved with prompt treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Myxedema Coma is a severe, life-threatening form of hypothyroidism that is characterized by mental and physical sluggishness. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The signs and symptoms of myxedema coma can vary widely, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Drowsiness
- Unintentional weight gain
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Slow heart rate
- Constipation
- Depression
- Muscle aches and stiffness
- Swelling of the hands, feet, and face
Causes[edit]
Myxedema coma is usually caused by long-term, untreated hypothyroidism. Other potential causes can include:
- Infections
- Certain medications
- Stroke
- Trauma
- Surgery
- Heart failure
- Respiratory failure
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of myxedema coma is based on the patient's clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The most definitive test is a blood test to measure the levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of myxedema coma typically involves immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Treatment may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Supportive care (such as warming blankets and intravenous fluids)
- Treatment of underlying causes or triggers
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for myxedema coma is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, with prompt and aggressive treatment, it is possible for patients to recover.
