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Cureus Sep 2023Hypothyroidism means an underactive thyroid gland. This leads to a decrease in the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is a very common endocrine disorder that causes... (Review)
Review
Hypothyroidism means an underactive thyroid gland. This leads to a decrease in the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is a very common endocrine disorder that causes under-secretion of thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It affects people of every age group but is more commonly found in women and older people. The symptoms of hypothyroidism can go unnoticed, may not be specific, and may overlap with other conditions, which makes it harder to diagnose it in some cases. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold (cold intolerance), irregular bowel movements (constipation), and dry skin (xeroderma). These conditions are mostly the result of a low metabolic rate in the body. Weight gain occurs due to a decrease in fat-burning rate and cold intolerance due to a decrease in heat production by the body. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, thyroid gland removal surgeries, and certain medications. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on laboratory tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. Treatment typically involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medication, such as levothyroxine, to help regulate hormone levels in the body. People with hypothyroidism may need to have their medication dosage adjusted over time. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications like mental retardation, delayed milestones, etc., in infants and heart failure, infertility, myxedema coma, etc., in adults. With appropriate treatment, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be effectively managed, and most people with the condition can lead normal, healthy lives. Lifestyle modifications like eating healthy food and exercising regularly can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
PubMed: 37908940
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46241 -
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North... Nov 2023Thyroid hormone affects every human organ system and is a vital component of metabolism. Common and easily treatable, hypothyroidism does not usually require emergency... (Review)
Review
Thyroid hormone affects every human organ system and is a vital component of metabolism. Common and easily treatable, hypothyroidism does not usually require emergency management. However, myxedema coma is the decompensated form of hypothyroidism and can be life threatening if not treated expediently.
PubMed: 37758421
DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2023.07.006 -
JCEM Case Reports Jan 2024
PubMed: 38178959
DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luad166 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Previous observational studies have reported a positive correlation between obesity and susceptibility to hypothyroidism; however, there is limited evidence from...
INTRODUCTION
Previous observational studies have reported a positive correlation between obesity and susceptibility to hypothyroidism; however, there is limited evidence from alternative methodologies to establish a causal link.
METHODS
We investigated the causal relationship between obesity and hypothyroidism using a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity-related traits were extracted from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European individuals. Summarized diagnostic data of hypothyroidism were obtained from the UK Biobank. Primary analyses were conducted using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method with a random-effects model as well as three complementary approaches. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ascertain the correlation between obesity and hypothyroidism.
RESULTS
MR analyses of the IVW method and the analyses of hypothyroidism/myxedema indicated that body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly associated with higher odds and risk of hypothyroidism. Reverse MR analysis demonstrated that a genetic predisposition to hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of elevated BMI and WC, which was not observed between WC adjusted for BMI (WCadjBMI) and hypothyroidism.
DISCUSSION
Our current study indicates that obesity is a risk factor for hypothyroidism, suggesting that individuals with higher BMI/WC have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism and indicating the importance of weight loss in reducing the risk of hypothyroidism.
Topics: Humans; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Hypothyroidism; Causality; Obesity
PubMed: 38260160
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1287463 -
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology... 2023Hyponatremia is one of the most common lab abnormalities seen in clinical practice. It has become widely accepted that hypothyroidism is a cause of euvolemic... (Review)
Review
Hyponatremia is one of the most common lab abnormalities seen in clinical practice. It has become widely accepted that hypothyroidism is a cause of euvolemic hyponatremia. The primary mechanism is thought to be due to impaired free water excretion and changes in sodium handling in the kidney. However, the clinical studies are conflicting and do not definitively confirm the association between hypothyroidism and hyponatremia. Therefore, if severe hyponatremia occurs in a patient without myxedema coma, other potential etiologies should be sought.
PubMed: 37435527
DOI: 10.1177/20420188231180983 -
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism... Jan 2024Myxoedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism with multiple organ dysfunction, characterised by an altered state of consciousness and hypothermia. Intravenous...
SUMMARY
Myxoedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism with multiple organ dysfunction, characterised by an altered state of consciousness and hypothermia. Intravenous thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the preferred treatment for myxoedema. The mortality rate associated with this disease is high, and early detection and intervention are essential. Supraglottal myxoedema is a rare form of periglottic oedema and can be fatal. A previously healthy 66-year-old man presented with impaired consciousness, hypothermia, and nonpitting oedema. Blood tests revealed the presence of hypothyroidism and respiratory acidosis. He was intubated for type 2 respiratory failure; however, severe laryngeal oedema made the procedure difficult to perform. Oral thyroid hormone therapy was initiated under the diagnosis of myxoedema coma. Tracheostomy was performed because of prolonged type 2 respiratory failure and laryngeal oedema. Three weeks after admission, the patient was weaned off the ventilator. Approximately a week later, laryngeal oedema improved, and the tracheostomy tube was removed. The patient was discharged and remained stable for 3 months. This case report describes a patient with comatose myxoedema and supraglottic oedema who was successfully treated with oral medication alone. This case shows that supraglottic oedema should be considered even in the absence of wheezing or other signs of upper airway obstruction.
LEARNING POINTS
Myxoedema coma is a differential diagnosis of respiratory acidosis. In myxoedematous coma, the possibility of difficult intubation due to supraglottic oedema should be considered. Tracheostomy should be considered for supraglottic myxoedema, which often results in prolonged ventilator use. Supraglottic myxoedema can be treated with oral medications.
PubMed: 38377682
DOI: 10.1530/EDM-23-0078 -
Cureus Sep 2023Myxedema Coma (MC) is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs as a severe complication of untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism. Prompt diagnosis is...
Myxedema Coma (MC) is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs as a severe complication of untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as the condition can rapidly deteriorate and lead to life-threatening complications. Timely treatment of myxedema coma with intravenous levothyroxine is the cornerstone of treatment, along with glucocorticoids to support adrenal function. This condition is associated with cardiovascular manifestations that contribute to its high mortality rate. The heart in hypothyroidism typically shows reversible dysfunction that can be corrected with hormonal supplementation, and in some cases, requires inotropic and aminergic support. This case involves a patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit with suspected MC, and necessitated life-saving hormonal and cardiovascular support to manage the condition.
PubMed: 37842478
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45164