Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Publication date:
2003-01-01
Volume:
59
Pages:
873 -
878
Publisher:
Nederlandstalige Medische Faculteiten in België
Author:
De Keulenaer, BL
Robbrecht, S ; Schepens, D ; De Backer, AI ; Wyffels, G ; Wilmer, Alexander
Keywords:
COMA, HYPOTHERMIE, BRADYCARDIE, HYPOTHYREOÏDIE, MYXOEDEEM, COMA, MYXOEDEEM
Abstract:
Myxedema coma: case report and review of literature Myxedema coma is caused by a marked and prolonged depletion of thyroid hormones. The cardinal features of myxedema coma are: defective thermoregulation to the point of hypothermia, altered mental status to the point of coma, and identifiable precipitating events. This condition is a medical emergency, since it is fatal in approximately 50% of the cases. Initiation of treatment should not be delayed until results of the thyroid function studies are available.