Sepsis and thyroid storm in a patient with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. e235536
Author(s):  
Vaishnavi Divya Nagarajan ◽  
Alba Morales ◽  
Lawtanya Pleasant ◽  
Asha Shenoi

Paediatric hyperthyroidism cases are mostly caused by Grave’s disease. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition seen rarely, in severe thyrotoxicosis, occurring in about 1%–2% of patients with hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications and beta-blockers are typically the first-line management of thyroid storm. We report a challenging case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with thyroid storm in the setting of septic shock and methimazole-induced agranulocytosis. Since the first-line agents were contraindicated, plasmapheresis was used to control the thyroid storm and as a bridging therapy to the definitive therapy of early thyroidectomy. This is the first paediatric case report that outlines the use of plasmapheresis in the management of complicated thyrotoxicosis in a setting of septic shock.

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  

Open abdomen is known as a serious consequence of various intra-abdominal pathologies. Initially, patients often have a life-threatening condition, sepsis or septic shock. Severe stress related malnutrition, mineral and fluid imbalance develop as metabolic consequences. Intestinal fistulas also occur as a frequent complication in patients with open abdomen. In such patients, a comprehensive approach is needed, including rehabilitation, nutritional support using optimal formulas, and local care for the open abdomen. Our case report presents a patient with open abdomen and enterocutaneous fistulation. A complex nutritional approach in the course of the disease is described and its importance is discussed. Finally, a summary of nutritional care for open abdomen patients is provided based on current recommendations.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B. Martin ◽  
Brian Casey

Thyroid physiologic adaptations in pregnancy may be confused with pathologic changes. Human chorionic gonadotropin rises early in pregnancy, stimulating thyrotropin secretion and suppressing thyroid stimulating hormone. These chemical changes are often seen in hyperemesis gravidarum and gestational transient thyrotoxicosis. Therefore, mild thyrotoxicosis may be difficult to differentiate from early pregnancy thyroxine stimulation.  However, overt hyperthyroidism usually includes classic symptoms seen outside of pregnancy in addition to suppressed TSH and T4 levels. Treatment includes thionamides propylthiouracil and methimazole.  Thyroid ablation is contraindicated in pregnancy. Often, in affected women, the fetus is euthyroid, but neonates can develop hyper or hypothyroidism with or without a goiter. Lastly, thyroid storm, though rare, is life threatening. Often presenting as a hypermetabolic state with cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension, it generally results from decompensation from preeclampsia, anemia, sepsis, or surgery.  Treatment requires intensive care level management, with initiation of thionamides, iodine, and beta blockers.   This review contains 2 figures, 4 tables and 38 references. Keywords: Thyroid-releasing hormong, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyromegaly, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, thryotoxicosis, thionamides, thyroid storm


2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Maja Bogdan ◽  
Vlasta Zujić Atalić ◽  
Ivan Hećimović ◽  
Dubravka Vuković

<p><strong>Objective</strong>. The aim of this report was to describe the occurrence of a bacterial brain abscess in a healthy individual, without any predisposing condition. <strong>Case report</strong>. A thirteen-year old boy was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery after the onset of vomiting, headache and dizziness. A neurological deficit was detected during the physical examination so urgent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed, revealing an intrahemispheric, right positioned solitary expansive mass with ring enhancement. Purulent material was obtained during osteoplastic craniotomy with total extirpation of the brain abscess. Aggregatibacter aphrophilus and Bacteroides uniformis were isolated. The patient’s general condition improved and the neurological deficit subsided as a result of the prompt recognition and treatment of this life threatening condition. <strong>Conclusion</strong>. To achieve a favourable clinical outcome, prompt recognition and surgical treatment of a brain abscess are of primary importance,followed by administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of this combination of microorganisms as the cause of a brain abscess.</p>


Author(s):  
Kevin Barrett

There has been considerable recent focus on sepsis in both the clinical arena and within the general public to raise awareness of the importance of early recognition of this potentially life-threatening condition. The early recognition of sepsis by ward nurses can both reduce progression of this lethal disease and improve survival for patients in hospital. This chapter focuses on definitions of sepsis and septic shock, physiological changes associated with inflammatory and cardiovascular responses to sepsis, and a clinical assessment framework to guide practice. There is also a discussion of the use of scoring systems and how to escalate support mechanisms for patients with sepsis and septic shock.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caspar Mewes ◽  
Carolin Böhnke ◽  
Tessa Alexander ◽  
Benedikt Büttner ◽  
José Hinz ◽  
...  

Septic shock is a frequent life-threatening condition and a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Previous investigations have reported a potentially protective effect of obesity in septic shock patients. However, prior results have been inconsistent, focused on short-term in-hospital mortality and inadequately adjusted for confounders, and they have rarely applied the currently valid Sepsis-3 definition criteria for septic shock. This investigation examined the effect of obesity on 90-day mortality in patients with septic shock selected from a prospectively enrolled cohort of septic patients. A total of 352 patients who met the Sepsis-3 criteria for septic shock were enrolled in this study. Body-mass index (BMI) was used to divide the cohort into 24% obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 76% non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly lower 90-day mortality (31% vs. 43%; p = 0.0436) in obese patients compared to non-obese patients. Additional analyses of baseline characteristics, disease severity, and microbiological findings outlined further statistically significant differences among the groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis estimated a significant protective effect of obesity on 90-day mortality after adjustment for confounders. An understanding of the underlying physiologic mechanisms may improve therapeutic strategies and patient prognosis.


Author(s):  
Tanjona Andriamanetsiarivo Ratsiatosika ◽  
Romuald Randriamahavonjy ◽  
Baco Abdallah Abasse ◽  
Mahefarisoa Fnat ◽  
Ibrahim Housni ◽  
...  

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition occurring in 1-2% of all pregnancies. The most common site of implantation for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. Authors report a case of recurrent ipsilateral ectopic pregnancy following right partial salpingectomy of a 29-Year-Old woman that led to tubal rupture. The pregnancy was conceived spontaneously. Diagnostic of ruptured ectopic pregnancy was done after clinical and ultrasonography examination. The presence of a massive hemoperitoneum with a positive pregnancy urinary test that lead us to the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. She underwent a laparotomy for a suspicion of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The ectopic pregnancy was identified in the left remnant fallopian tube. Partial salpingectomy, removal of tubal stump, and resection of the uterine cornua, was performed. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. She has stayed for five days at the Hospital. All patients, even though they have already received a definitive contraception by tubal section and ligature or unilateral or by bilateral salpingectomy for any reason, must seek an ectopic pregnancy in case of pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding and/ or amenorrhea. Authors propose to carry a total salpingectomy after a chosen surgical treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheree C. Gray ◽  
Jacobus A. Pienaar ◽  
Zelia Sofianos ◽  
Jacob Varghese ◽  
Ilonka Warnich

An amniocele, or contained uterine rupture, is a phenomenon in which there is herniation of the amniotic sac through a uterine defect, secondary to various causes. It is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. This case presents the findings in a 36-year-old female at 29 weeks gestation who was initially managed as antepartum haemorrhage secondary to placenta previa, based on ultrasound. Upon further imaging, an amniocele was diagnosed. This case report illustrates the importance of early identification of this life-threatening condition.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-169
Author(s):  
Tadashi Sakane ◽  
Katsuhiro Okuda ◽  
Takayuki Murase ◽  
Takuya Watanabe ◽  
Risa Oda ◽  
...  

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miglė Černiauskaitė ◽  
Brigita Vaigauskaitė ◽  
Diana Ramašauskaitė ◽  
Mindaugas Šilkūnas

Heterotopic pregnancy is defined as a condition when intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy occur simultaneously. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate and accurate diagnostics and treatment. We present a case of a 28-year-old primigravida female who conceived spontaneously and at her seventh week of gestation and was presented to the emergency department with weakness and acute pain in lower abdomen. Laboratory tests and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed the diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Urgent laparoscopic salpingotomy was chosen as a treatment option. The ectopic pregnancy was successfully removed with the preservation of the intrauterine embryo and fallopian tubes. The course of pregnancy after the surgery was without complications, and a healthy baby was delivered at the 39th week of gestation. When treated properly and on time, a heterotopic pregnancy can result in live childbirth with favorable outcomes for both the child and the mother.


2018 ◽  
Vol 100 (8) ◽  
pp. e223-e225
Author(s):  
A Matsushita ◽  
S Hosokawa ◽  
D Mochizuki ◽  
J Okamura ◽  
K Funai ◽  
...  

Huge cervical and mediastinal masses may lead to acute respiratory failure caused by laryngotracheal compression and airway obstruction. Thyroid storm is also a life-threatening endocrine emergency originating almost exclusively from uncontrolled Graves’ disease. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with acute upper airway obstruction and tachycardia from progressive swelling of a giant thyroid, in conjunction with thyroid storm resulting from uncontrolled Graves’ disease. Fibreoptic-assisted nasal intubation was performed while the patient was awake, immediately followed by emergency total thyroidectomy via a cervical and sternal approach. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and recovered well. Respiratory failure due to swelling of a giant thyroid is a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately with endotracheal intubation while the patient is awake following emergent total thyroidectomy, even with a sternotomy.


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