Loading…
Also known as: myxedema coma · decompensated hypothyroidism · severe hypothyroidism
The extreme, decompensated end of hypothyroidism — hypothermia, reduced consciousness, hypoventilation, bradycardia and hyponatraemia, typically in an elderly patient in winter. High mortality; treat empirically.
Elderly people with (often unrecognised or undertreated) hypothyroidism, precipitated by cold, infection, sedatives, myocardial infarction, or stopping thyroxine.
Thyroid hormone replacement
Caution: Give hydrocortisone first/with it (thyroxine alone can precipitate adrenal crisis); go slow in cardiac disease.
Cover possible adrenal insufficiency
Guidelines change. If something here is out of date, tell us — we keep these current.
🚩 Report outdated / suggest update