Euthyroid sick syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(5 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Euthyroid sick syndrome|here]]'''
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Euthyroid sick syndrome|here]]'''


{{CMG}}; {{AE}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}}{{Akshun}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
Euthyroid sick syndrome is a condition which is seen in severe illness such as burns, malignancy, sepsis, myocardial infarction, pneumonia and cirrhosis.
Euthyroid sick syndrome is a condition which is seen in severe [[Illnesses|illness]] such as [[burns]], [[malignancy]], [[sepsis]], [[myocardial infarction]], [[pneumonia]] and [[cirrhosis]]. The [[thyroid gland]] itself is normal. In these conditions the body goes into a state of hypermetabolism leading to increased muscle and calorie loss. It is speculated, that the body in order to contain this [[hypermetabolism]] induces some degree of [[hypothyroidism]] by inhibiting conversion of  [[thyroxine]] ([[T4]]) to [[triiodothyronine]] ([[T3]]). Initially euthyroid sick syndrome presents with low serum [[T3|T3 (]][[triiodothyronine]]). Depending upon the severity and duration of the [[Stress (medicine)|stress]] inducing [[condition]], the [[thyroid-stimulating hormone]]([[TSH]]), [[thyroxine]] ([[T4]]), and [[free T4]] ([[FT4]]) are affected in variable proportions. The drop in levels of [[T3]] and [[T4]]([[thyroxine]]) are more with more severe illnesses. Usual symptoms include [[fatigue]] and [[weakness]], [[weight gain]], puffy face, cold intolerance, [[constipation]] and [[bradycardia]]. It may result in [[infertility]] in adults. Blood tests of [[thyroid-stimulating hormone]] ([[TSH]]) level and [[Thyroxine|T4]] ([[thyroxine]]) level are very important for the diagnosis of euthyroid sick syndrome. Treatment includes rapid correction of the underlying illness.


==What are the symptoms of (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?==
==What are the symptoms of (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?==
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism associated with euthyroid sick syndrome varies from person to person. Usual symptoms are the following:
[[Signs]] and [[symptoms]] of [[hypothyroidism]] associated with euthyroid sick syndrome varies from person to person. In addition, there will be symptoms of the underlying disease. Usual [[symptoms]] associated with decreased level of thyroid hormone include:


:*[[Fatigue]] and [[weakness]]
:*[[Fatigue]] and [[weakness]]
Line 15: Line 15:
:*Puffy face
:*Puffy face
:*Cold intolerance
:*Cold intolerance
:*Joint and muscle pain
:*[[Joint]] and [[muscle]] pain
:*[[Constipation]]
:*[[Constipation]]
:*[[Bradycardia]]
:*[[Bradycardia]]
:*[[Depression]]  
:*[[Depression]]  
:*Irregular menstrual periods in women  
:*Irregular [[menstrual periods]] in women  
:*[[Infertility]]
:*[[Infertility]]


Line 39: Line 39:


==Who is at highest risk?==
==Who is at highest risk?==
[[Euthyroid]] sick syndrome is seen in 40% of [[patients]] presenting with any major illness. In [[intensive care unit]] (ICU) patient's the rate is as high as 70-75%.
[[Euthyroid]] sick syndrome is seen in 40% of [[patients]] presenting with any major [[illness]]. In [[intensive care unit]] (ICU) patient's the rate is as high as 70-75%. Other conditions which puts the patients at increased risk include:
Other conditions which puts the patients at increased risk include:
:*[[Congenital hypothyroidism]]
:*[[Congenital hypothyroidism]]
:*Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland
:*Surgical removal of part or all of the [[thyroid gland]]
:*[[Radiation therapy]] of the thyroid
:*[[Radiation therapy]] of the [[thyroid]]
:*Some medications, such as [[amiodarone]], [[propylthiouracil]], [[methimazole]] and [[Lithium]].
:*Some [[medications]], such as [[amiodarone]], [[propylthiouracil]], [[methimazole]] and [[Lithium]].
:*Age over 50 years  
:*[[Age]] over 50 years  
:*Female
:*[[Female]]


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of [[euthyroid]] sick syndrome is based on [[clinical]] presentation and [[thyroid function tests]].The best initial test is [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone|TSH]], which in euthyroid sick syndrome can be low, normal, or elevated but not as high as it would be in [[hypothyroidism]].
The diagnosis of [[euthyroid]] sick syndrome is based on [[clinical]] presentation and [[thyroid function tests]].The best initial test is [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone|TSH]], which in euthyroid sick syndrome can be low, normal, or elevated but not as high as it would be in [[hypothyroidism]]. The diagnosis of [[euthyroid]] sick syndrome is made when there is a clear severe underlying [[illness]], normal appearing [[thyroid gland]] and low [[T3]] with elevated [[reverse T3]]. The other [[thyroid hormones]] [[T4]], [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone|TSH]], and [[Thyrotropin-releasing hormone|TRH]] all depend upon the severity of the [[illness]]. These [[hormones]] are affected in variable degrees based on the severity and duration of the underlying [[illness]].
The diagnosis of [[euthyroid]] sick syndrome is made when there is a clear severe underlying [[illness]], normal appearing [[thyroid gland]] and low [[T3]] with elevated [[reverse T3]]. The other thyroid hormones [[T4]], [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone|TSH]], and [[Thyrotropin-releasing hormone|TRH]] all depend upon the severity of the [[illness]]. These hormones are affected in variable degrees based on the severity and duration of the underlying [[illness]].


==When to seek urgent medical care?==
==When to seek urgent medical care?==
Call your health care provider if symptoms of hypothyroidism appear. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible.  
Call your health care provider if [[symptoms]] of [[hypothyroidism]] appear. If you experience either of the following [[symptoms]], seeking urgent [[medical care]] as soon as possible.  
:*[[Chest pain]]
:*[[Chest pain]]
:*[[Palpitation]]
:*[[Palpitation]]
:*[[Low BP]]
:*[[Hypotension (patient information)|Low BP]]
:*[[Confusion]]
:*[[Confusion]]
:*[[Coma]]
:*[[Coma]]


==Treatment options==
==Treatment options==
In [[euthyroid]] sick syndrome emphasis is on rapid correction of underlying disease. Many seriously [[Illness|ill]] patients have low levels of [[thyroid hormones]] but are not clinically [[hypothyroid]] and do not require [[thyroid hormone]] supplementation.
In [[euthyroid]] sick syndrome emphasis is on rapid correction of underlying [[disease]]. Many seriously [[Illness|ill]] patients have low levels of [[thyroid hormones]] but are not clinically [[hypothyroid]] and do not require [[thyroid hormone]] supplementation.


==Where to find medical care for (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?==
==Where to find medical care for (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|hypothyroidism}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating hypothyroidism ]
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|hypothyroidism}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating hypothyroidism]


==Prevention==
==Prevention==
The prevention for euthyroid sick syndrome is unknown.
The [[prevention]] for euthyroid sick syndrome is unknown.


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
Prognosis of hypothyroidism depends on:
Prognosis of [[hypothyroidism]] depends on:
:*Whether the patient is treated or not. In most cases, if underlying condition is rapidly treated, thyroid levels returns to normal levels.
:*Whether the patient is treated or not. In most cases, if underlying condition is rapidly treated, [[Thyroid hormones|thyroid hormone]] levels returns to normal levels.
:*If the underlying condition is not treated and T4 level falls below 3 mcg/dL, euthyroid sick syndrome can be fatal.
:*If the underlying condition is not treated and [[T4]] level falls below 3 mcg/dL, euthyroid sick syndrome can be fatal.


==Possible complications==
==Possible complications==

Latest revision as of 12:59, 14 August 2017

Euthyroid sick syndrome

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Euthyroid sick syndrome?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Euthyroid sick syndrome On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Euthyroid sick syndrome

Videos on Euthyroid sick syndrome

FDA on Euthyroid sick syndrome

CDC on Euthyroid sick syndrome

Euthyroid sick syndrome in the news

Blogs on Euthyroid sick syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Euthyroid sick syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Euthyroid sick syndrome

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

Euthyroid sick syndrome is a condition which is seen in severe illness such as burns, malignancy, sepsis, myocardial infarction, pneumonia and cirrhosis. The thyroid gland itself is normal. In these conditions the body goes into a state of hypermetabolism leading to increased muscle and calorie loss. It is speculated, that the body in order to contain this hypermetabolism induces some degree of hypothyroidism by inhibiting conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). Initially euthyroid sick syndrome presents with low serum T3 (triiodothyronine). Depending upon the severity and duration of the stress inducing condition, the thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), thyroxine (T4), and free T4 (FT4) are affected in variable proportions. The drop in levels of T3 and T4(thyroxine) are more with more severe illnesses. Usual symptoms include fatigue and weakness, weight gain, puffy face, cold intolerance, constipation and bradycardia. It may result in infertility in adults. Blood tests of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and T4 (thyroxine) level are very important for the diagnosis of euthyroid sick syndrome. Treatment includes rapid correction of the underlying illness.

What are the symptoms of (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism associated with euthyroid sick syndrome varies from person to person. In addition, there will be symptoms of the underlying disease. Usual symptoms associated with decreased level of thyroid hormone include:

What causes (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?

Euthyroid sick syndrome can be caused by any serious illness. The most common causes include:

Who is at highest risk?

Euthyroid sick syndrome is seen in 40% of patients presenting with any major illness. In intensive care unit (ICU) patient's the rate is as high as 70-75%. Other conditions which puts the patients at increased risk include:

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of euthyroid sick syndrome is based on clinical presentation and thyroid function tests.The best initial test is TSH, which in euthyroid sick syndrome can be low, normal, or elevated but not as high as it would be in hypothyroidism. The diagnosis of euthyroid sick syndrome is made when there is a clear severe underlying illness, normal appearing thyroid gland and low T3 with elevated reverse T3. The other thyroid hormones T4, TSH, and TRH all depend upon the severity of the illness. These hormones are affected in variable degrees based on the severity and duration of the underlying illness.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if symptoms of hypothyroidism appear. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible.

Treatment options

In euthyroid sick syndrome emphasis is on rapid correction of underlying disease. Many seriously ill patients have low levels of thyroid hormones but are not clinically hypothyroid and do not require thyroid hormone supplementation.

Where to find medical care for (Euthyroid sick syndrome)?

Directions to Hospitals Treating hypothyroidism

Prevention

The prevention for euthyroid sick syndrome is unknown.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Prognosis of hypothyroidism depends on:

  • Whether the patient is treated or not. In most cases, if underlying condition is rapidly treated, thyroid hormone levels returns to normal levels.
  • If the underlying condition is not treated and T4 level falls below 3 mcg/dL, euthyroid sick syndrome can be fatal.

Possible complications

The complications of euthyroid sick syndrome depends upon other organ systems involved and underlying disease(s). The general complications of hypothyroidism as seen in euthyroid sick syndrome include hypothermia, bradycardia, heart failure, dyspnea, confusion, apathy and psychosis.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm


Template:WH Template:WS