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A Case of Myxoedema Coma Successfully Treated by Low Dose Oral Triiodothyronine
Author(s) -
Graham J. J.,
Harding P. E.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 0004-8291
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1977.tb04686.x
Subject(s) - medicine , euthyroid , coma (optics) , triiodothyronine , myxedema , thyroid function , excretion , hormone , endocrinology , thyroid , physiology , gastroenterology , physics , optics
Summary: Myxoedema coma is fortunately rare and is probably rarer in a warm climate such as Australia. It carries a high mortality rate. Its correct management is still a controversial issue. A case of severe myxoedema coma who was successfully treated is described. Thyroid hormone was replaced in the form of triiodothyronine given orally in doses of 20–40 ng/day. There was an improvement in body temperature within six hours of the first dose; this was accompanied by a brisk fall in serum CPK and cholesterol with a rapid rise of plasma T3 into the euthyroid range. There was a defect in water excretion which was rapidly reversed as renal function returned to normal. Review of the literature suggests that low dose oral therapy with T3 is a satisfactory form of initial management.