Therapeutic plasmapheresis in patients with severe hyperthyroidism in whom antithyroid drugs are contraindicated

Fighting thyrotoxicosis with therapeutic plasma exchange: A case report

Thyrotoxicosis is the clinical condition resulting from an excess of thyroid hormones for any reason. The main causes are Graves-Basedow disease, toxic multinodular goitre and toxic adenoma. The medical treatment to control thyroid function includes antithyroid drugs, beta blockers, iodine solutions, corticosteroids and cholestyramine. Although therapeutic plasma exchange is not generally part of the therapy, it is an alternative as a preliminary stage before the definitive treatment. This procedure makes it possible to eliminate T4, T3, TSI, cytokines and amiodarone. In most cases, more than one cycle is necessary, either daily or every three days, until clinical improvement is observed. The effect on thyrotoxicosis is temporary, with an approximate duration of 24-48h. This approach has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative when the medical treatment is contraindicated or not effective, and when there is multiple organ failure or emergency surgery is required.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for the Treatment of Hyperthyroidism: Approach to the Patient with Thyrotoxicosis or Antithyroid-Drugs Induced Agranulocytosis

Primary hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by excessive thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion by the thyroid gland. Clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism can vary from subclinical to overt forms. In rare cases, hyperthyroidism may represent a clinical emergency, requiring admission to an intensive care unit due to an acute and severe exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis, known as a thyroid storm. First-line treatment of hyperthyroidism is almost always based on medical therapy (with thioamides, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, glucocorticoids), radioactive iodine or total thyroidectomy, tailored to the patient’s diagnosis. In cases of failure/intolerance/adverse events or contraindication to these therapies, as well as in life-threatening situations, including a thyroid storm, it is necessary to consider an alternative treatment with extracorporeal systems, such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). This approach can promptly resolve severe conditions by removing circulating thyroid hormones. Here we described two different applications of TPE in clinical practice: the first case is an example of thyrotoxicosis due to amiodarone treatment, while the second one is an example of a severe adverse event to antithyroid drugs (agranulocytosis induced by methimazole).

Therapeutic plasma exchange for Graves’ disease in pregnancy

Graves’ disease in pregnancy may be associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal complications, which are proportionate to the severity of hyperthyroidism. Optimal management is detailed preconception counselling, achievement of an euthyroid state prior to conception, and close monitoring of thyroid function and thyroid-stimulating antibodies together with judicious use of anti-thyroid medications during pregnancy. A case of Graves’ disease in pregnancy, complicated by pancytopenia, with a deterioration in thyroid function following cessation of thionamide therapy is described here. Therapeutic plasma exchange was subsequently used to achieve rapid control prior to thyroidectomy. Therapeutic plasma exchange is an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism where thionamides are ineffective or contraindicated, as a bridge to definitive management.

Preoperative plasmapheresis in patients with Graves' disease intolerant to antithyroid drugs

Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are the mainstay of treatment for Graves' disease with possible detrimental adverse effects. Surgery or radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation is the second choice among the treatment options in cases of non-remission. Normalization of serum thyroid hormone levels as much as possible is required before surgery or RAI to prevent thyrotoxic crisis in patients with uncontrolled Graves' disease. In recent decades, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used in the treatment of thyroid storm, drug-induced hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis, or patients with hyperthyroidism scheduled for emergency surgery. TPE is an effective method to reduce serum FT3, FT4, and TRAB levels in severe hyperthyroid conditions. Although TPE-related complications are rare, the risk of bleeding needs to be taken into consideration in patients who were scheduled for surgery within 24 h after TPE. In terms of reducing intraoperative bleeding, patients can be referred to surgery 24-48 h after TPE, or fresh frozen plasma transfusion can be the preferred treatment for emergency cases.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Refractory Hyperthyroidism

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthyroid patients who are unresponsive to medical treatment remain a challenging clinical problem.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of our study was to evaluate the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in hyperthyroid patients and their outcome after TPE.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients who underwent TPE for refractory thyrotoxicosis in our institution: 13 with Graves' disease, 7 with amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT), 1 with toxic goiter, and 1 pregnant patient with familial nonautoimmune thyrotoxicosis.

RESULTS

Before TPE, all patients had severe hyperthyroidism, and antithyroid drugs were either contraindicated or not sufficiently effective to restore euthyroidism promptly. After all the TPEs, free T₄ (fT4) decreased significantly by 48% (p = 0.001) and fT3 by 52% (p = 0.0001). The median number of TPE sessions per patient was 4 (range: 1-10). There were no complications during the 91 TPE sessions. Total thyroidectomy with no severe side effects was performed on 16/22 patients and 1 other patient was treated with radioactive iodine. One patient died from severe thyrotoxicosis during medical care. The remaining 4 patients were followed up without any radical treatment. For all 7 patients with AIT, iterative TPE led to a significant clinical improvement, and amiodarone was continued for 1 patient. Available treatments were continued between TPE sessions (cholestyramine for 13 patients [60%] and glucocorticoids for 16 patients [73%]).

CONCLUSION

TPE allowed a safe decrease of 50% in thyroid hormone levels, and it should be considered for refractory hyperthyroid patients when medical treatments are contraindicated or have failed to restore euthyroidism, irrespective of the etiology of the thyrotoxicosis.

THERAPEUTIC PLASMA EXCHANGE AS A BRIDGE TO TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE THYROTOXICOSIS

Objective

Graves disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis. Medical management is the first-line treatment but may be contraindicated or ineffective. In patients with severe, refractory thyrotoxicosis therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may be indicated as a bridge to thyroidectomy.

Methods

We present 3 cases of thyrotoxicosis refractory to medical management that were successfully treated with TPE and subsequent total thyroidectomy, and provide an analysis of the response to therapy via a change in free thyroxine (fT4) levels throughout their treatment course.

Results

The average change in fT4 per liter of fluid exchanged was 0.37 ng/dL (SD = 0.08) and the average percentage change of fT4 after each treatment was 20.7% (SD = 8.28). The mean decrease in fT4 after 4 TPE treatments was 57.4%. All patients successfully underwent total thyroidectomy without complication and were discharged from the hospital.

Conclusion

TPE should be considered for thyrotoxic patients with severe hyperthyroidism or thyroid storm refractory to medical management or contraindications to antithyroid drugs who need a bridge to total thyroidectomy. In these cases, TPE was a safe and effective treatment that enabled definitive management with thyroidectomy and may be considered in other patients with severe refractory hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for control of thyroid storm

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for thyroid storm has recently been upgraded to a category II indication after decades though its recommendation level still remains at Grade 2C according to the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). In the absence of prospective randomized controlled trials due to the rarity of thyroid storm, retrospective data from case series continue to elevate the clinical evidence supporting TPE as a life-saving modality for complicated thyroid storm patients. We report three cases of life-threatening thyroid storm from Graves' disease rescued by TPE via rapid reduction in circulating thyroid hormones. Each patient underwent TPE when it was judged that other thyroid storm treatment options were futile or unsafe. The first patient received 4 cycles of TPE while the second patient received 9 cycles of TPE, and the third patient received 2 cycles of TPE with satisfactory clinical improvement. Plasma FT4 and TSH receptor antibody levels of the first case declined by 41.3% and >50% respectively right after the first round of TPE; plasma FT4 of the second patient dropped by up to 31.6% during the course of TPE; plasma FT4 and TSH receptor antibody of the third patient declined by 66% and 56.2% respectively after the first cycle of TPE. This demonstrates the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of TPE in thyroid storm especially when other therapeutic interventions are contraindicated. TPE operates via the elimination of serum proteins-bound thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, cytokines, and catecholamines in addition to increasing unsaturated binding sites for thyroid hormones.

Effective Preoperative Plasmapheresis Treatment of Severe Hyperthyroidism in a Patient with Giant Toxic Nodular Goiter and Methimazole-Induced Agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis is a rare but very serious complication of thyrostatic therapy. In severe hyperthyroidism, the removal of circulating thyroid hormones by plasmapheresis may be an effective therapeutic option. This report describes the therapeutic difficulties and successful preoperative treatment with plasmapheresis in a 63-year-old patient admitted to the Endocrinology Clinic with severe hyperthyroidism, during the course of giant toxic nodular goiter and agranulocytosis, which occurred after 2 weeks of taking methimazole. During hospitalization, methimazole treatment was discontinued and therapy with steroids, a beta blocker, propylthiouracil, Lugol’s solution, lithium carbonate, and antibiotics were initiated. Granulocyte colony growth stimulating factor was also used to resolve agranulocytosis. Due to the failure to achieve euthyreosis using this approach, we decided to conduct thyroid surgery, as a life-saving action, after preparation of the patient by plasmapheresis. Two plasmapheresis procedures were performed, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of free thyroid hormones. Total thyroidectomy was performed and there were no complications during surgery. We conclude that plasmapheresis may be considered as an effective alternative treatment option for the preparation of patients with hyperthyroidism for surgery, when the clinical situations prevent the use of conventional treatments for hyperthyroidism and when immediate life-saving surgery is necessary.

Preoperative plasmapheresis experience in Graves' disease patients with anti-thyroid drug-induced hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity is a rare but serious side effect of antithyroid drug (ATI) therapy in Graves' disease patients. Cessation of ATI drug is needed in most of the patients if liver enzymes highly elevated or in case of agranulocytosis. Permanent therapy, surgery or radioactive iodine ablation are the treatment choices to ensure euthyroidism in active Graves' disease patients. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can be an option to ensure euthyroidism, especially in patients scheduled for urgent surgery. In the present study, we present consecutive five cases of methimazole related severe hepatotoxicity that underwent TPE before thyroid surgery. The median number of apheresis sessions was 3 (range: 2-5). Free triiodothyronine (FT3) 65-83 %, free thyroxine (FT4) 22-66 %, thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAB) 55-96 % decreases were observed. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy. TPE is an effective method to reduce serum FT3, FT4, TRAB levels in the short term to provide better thyroid hormone status before urgent surgery in ATI induced toxic hepatitis patients.

Plasma exchange and early thyroidectomy in thyroid storm requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Thyroid storm with multi-organ failure limits the use of conventional treatment. A 44-year-old male presented with thyroid storm and experienced cardiovascular collapse after beta-blocker administration, with resultant fulminant multi-organ failure requiring inotropic support, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy. Hepatic and renal failure precluded the use of conventional thyroid storm treatment and early plasma exchange was instituted. The patient underwent emergency thyroidectomy after four effective exchanges, with subsequent rapid reversal of multi-organ failure. The challenges of institution of plasma exchanges with ongoing ECMO support, dialysis and timing of thyroidectomy are discussed. This case highlights the important role of early therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as an effective salvage therapy for lowering circulating hormones and stabilization of patients in preparation for emergency thyroidectomy in patients with thyroid storm and fulminant multi-organ failure.

Weathering the storm: A case of thyroid storm refractory to conventional treatment benefiting from therapeutic plasma exchange

Thyroid storm is a severe manifestation of thyrotoxicosis characterized by systemic organ dysfunction secondary to a hypermetabolic state. Although antithyroid drugs, steroids, beta-blockers, antipyretics, and cholestyramine are the standard of care, some patients inadequately respond to these conventional therapies. Therapeutic plasma exchange has been previously utilized as a treatment modality in patients with a poor response to routine therapies or with contraindications to them. Herein, we report our experience with the management of a case of thyroid storm refractory to conventional treatment but responsive to therapeutic plasma exchange.

Therapeutic plasmapheresis in thyrotoxic patients

PURPOSE

For the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, alternative treatment modalities may be necessary if anti-thyroid drugs cannot be used due to side effects, inefficiencies, or there is a need to start a rapid action such as thyroid storm. By using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), it is possible to effectively and rapidly remove the increased thyroid hormones. We evaluated our results and experience on a rapid, effective, and reliable alternative treatment modality in thyrotoxic patients.

METHODS

TPE was performed in 46 thyrotoxic patients at the Adult Therapeutic Apheresis Center.

RESULTS

Forty six patients with a median age of 30 years (interquartile range [IQR] 30-50) were assessed. In 40 (87%) of the cases, the diagnosis was Graves' disease. The other causes of thyrotoxicosis were amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (n = 4) and toxic nodular goiter (n = 2). The median and IQR of fT3 values in patients before TPE were 9.9 (6.5-16.8) pg/mL (N: 2.3-4.2) and the median and IQR of fT4 values were 2.9 (2.3-4.1) ng/dL (N: 0.74-1.52). When the procedure was terminated, the median and IQR of fT3 values in patients were 4.0 (3.1-5.2) pg/mL and the median and IQR fT4 values were 1.6 (1.4-2.0) ng/dL. The decrease in both free thyroid hormones was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Our study is the largest series of TPE in the literature used for thyrotoxicosis. In the light of the literature and our results, we conclude that TPE is an effective alternative treatment option to prepare for ablative treatment for cases that have side effects or ineffectiveness of anti-thyroid drugs.

Severe Hyperthyroidism Complicated by Agranulocytosis Treated with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Case Report and Review of the Literature

AIM

To present a case of Graves' disease complicated by methimazole induced agranulocytosis treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and review of the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old patient with a history of Graves' disease presented to the endocrine clinic. His history was significant for heat intolerance, weight loss, and tremors. Upon examination he had tachycardia, smooth goiter, thyroid bruit, and hyperactive reflexes. He was started on methimazole and metoprolol and thyroidectomy was to be done once his thyroid function tests normalized. On follow-up, the patient symptoms persisted. Complete blood count done showed a white blood cell count of 2100 (4000-11,000 cells/cu mm) with a neutrophil count of 400 cells/cu mm, consistent with neutropenia. He was admitted to the hospital and underwent 3 cycles of TPE and was also given filgrastim. He improved clinically and his thyroxine (T4) levels also came down. Thyroidectomy was done. He was discharged on levothyroxine for postsurgical hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSION

Plasmapheresis may be useful in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It works by removing protein bound hormones and also possibly inflammatory cytokines. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of various modalities of TPE in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Perfect storm: Therapeutic plasma exchange for a patient with thyroid storm

Thyroid storm is a potentially lethal complication of hyperthyroidism with increased thyroid hormones and exaggerated symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. First-line therapy includes methimazole (MMI) or propylthiouracil (PTU) to block production of thyroid hormones as a bridge toward definitive surgical treatment. Untreated thyroid storm has a mortality rate of up to 30%; this is particularly alarming when patients cannot tolerate or fail pharmacotherapy, especially if they cannot undergo thyroidectomy. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an ASFA category III indication for thyroid storm, meaning the optimum role of this therapy is not established, and there are a limited number of cases in the literature. Yet TPE can remove T3 and T4 bound to albumin, autoantibodies, catecholamines and cytokines and is likely beneficial for these patients. We report a patient with thyroid storm who could not tolerate PTU, subsequently failed therapy with MMI, and was not appropriate for thyroidectomy. TPE was therefore performed daily for 4 days (1.0 plasma volume with 5% albumin replacement and 2 U of plasma). Over the treatment course, the patient's thyroid hormones normalized and symptoms of thyroid storm largely resolved; his T3 decreased from 2.27 to 0.81 ng/mL (normal 0.8-2.0), T4 decreased from 4.8 to 1.7 ng/mL (0.8-1.8), heart rate normalized, altered mental status improved, and he converted to normal sinus rhythm. He was ultimately discharged in euthyroid state. He experienced no side effects from his TPE procedures. TPE is a safe and effective treatment for thyroid storm when conventional treatments are not successful or appropriate.

Anaesthetic Implications of Severe Hyperthyroidism Secondary to Molar Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Pregnant women with gestational trophoblastic disease have an increased likelihood to develop hyperthyroidism secondary to increased secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin. Most of these cases of hyperthyroidism remain undiagnosed and may present as a thyrotoxic crisis during the perioperative period. Pregnant patients with gestational trophoblastic disease should be always evaluated for hyperthyroidism, and in cases of severe hyperthyroidism, antithyroid treatment should be initiated before evacuation of the mole. Anesthetic management of these cases is challenging in view of the emergency nature of the surgery and potential for thyroid crisis. Spinal anesthesia can be safely administered and has a protective role in preventing thyroid crisis.

Refractory Graves' Disease Successfully Cured by Adjunctive Cholestyramine and Subsequent Total Thyroidectomy

The three major forms of treatment for Graves thyrotoxicosis are antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy. Surgery is the definitive treatment for Graves thyrotoxicosis that is generally recommended when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated. Generally, thyrotoxic patients should be euthyroid before surgery to minimize potential complications which usually requires preoperative management with thionamides or inorganic iodine. But several cases of refractory Graves' disease have shown resistance to conventional treatment. Here we report a 40-year-old female patient with Graves' disease who complained of thyrotoxic symptoms for 7 months. Her thyroid function test and thyroid autoantibody profiles were consistent with Graves' disease. One kind of thionamides and β-blocker were started to control her disease. However, she was resistant to nearly all conventional medical therapies, including β-blockers, inorganic iodine, and two thionamides. She experienced hepatotoxicity from the thionamides. What was worse is her past history of serious allergic reaction to corticosteroids, which are often used to help control symptoms. A 2-week regimen of high-dose cholestyramine improved her uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and subsequent thyroidectomy was successfully performed. In conclusion, cholestyramine could be administered as an effective and safe adjunctive agent for preoperative preparation in patients with severe hyperthyroid Graves's disease that is resistant to conventional therapies.

The results of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with severe hyperthyroidism: a retrospective multicenter study

Hyperthyroidism characterized by elevated serum levels of circulating thyroid hormones. The aim of hyperthyroidism treatment is to achieve a euthyroid state as soon as possible and to maintain euthyroid status. However, drug withdrawal and utilization of alternative therapies are needed in cases in which leucopenia or impairment in liver functions is observed during medical therapy. In the present study, we aimed to present our cases which underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) due to severe hyperthyroidism. The results of 22 patients who underwent therapeutic plasma exchange due to hyperthyroidism in Apheresis Units of Erciyes University and Gaziantep University, between 2006 and 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. These cases had severe thyrotoxic values despite anti-thyroid drug use. After TPE, we observed a significant decrease in free thyroxin (FT4) (p<0.001) and free triiodotyhronin (FT3) (p<0.004) levels. There was statistically significant increase in the mean values of TSH levels after TPE (p<0.001). Clinical improvement was achieved in hyperthyroidism by TPE in 20 cases (91%). Both FT3 and FT4 levels remained above the normal limits in two of 22 patients. TPE should be considered as an effective and safe therapeutic option to achieve euthyroid state before surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. TPE is a useful option in cases with severe hyperthyroidism unresponsive to anti-thyroid agents and in those with clinical manifestations of cardiac failure and in patients with severe adverse events during anti-thyroid therapy.

Effectiveness of preoperative plasmapheresis in a pregnancy complicated by hyperthyroidism and anti-thyroid drug-associated angioedema

Hyperthyroidism is not a rare entity in pregnancy and 85% of these cases attributed to Graves' disease (GD). There is no therapeutic modality for GD considered as totally safe in pregnancy. Fetal and neonatal risks of maternal hyperthyroid disease are related to the hyperthyroidism itself and/or to the medical treatment of the disease. There are no data supporting an association between congenital anomalies in the fetus and propylthiouracil (PTU). Hepatotoxicity, cytopenias--especially agranulocytosis and quite rarely, angioedema, may be seen as side effects of PTU. In this case report, we examine an instance of Graves' hyperthyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy. In this case, a serious side effect during anti-thyroid drug usage was encountered, eventually resulting in surgery in the second trimester. This intervention was assisted by the use of plasmapheresis to obtain rapid normalization of serum thyroid hormone levels.

Thyroid storm due to inappropriate administration of a compounded thyroid hormone preparation successfully treated with plasmapheresis

BACKGROUND

Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare life-threatening condition that is characterized by fever and altered mental status precipitated by endogenous or exogenous critical events, illness/injury, acute iodine load, and thyroid or non thyroid surgery. A large number of thyroid extracts are available and extensively used, even though they are not recommended clinically in hypothyroid or euthyroid patients. Consumption of such products can be dangerous and result in life-threatening TS. Here, we report a case of TS caused by inadvertent intake of very high dosages of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in compounded thyroid extracts. Plasmapheresis may be considered an option for the management of exogenous TS.

PATIENT FINDINGS

A 62-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented with severe myalgia, fever, tachycardia, and blood pressure of 170/80 mmHg, which precipitated to an altered mental state within 24 hours. Neurological examination did not reveal any focal deficit or any signs of meningeal irritation. Further investigation revealed that she had been taking thyroid supplements. The patient had accidentally been supplied with a batch of thyroid extract pills that had an inadvertently high content of T4. Her free T3 (FT3) and free T4 (FT4) levels were found to be very high beyond the laboratory readable range (FT3>30 pg/mL; FT4>6.06 ng/dL; thyrotropin [TSH]=0.07 IU/mL).

SUMMARY

Three days post commencement of standard conservative management of TS, the patient developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, resulting in a seizure. She remained unresponsive and in a poor mental state. The confirmed exogenous etiology for TS led to a decision to conduct plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis conducted for two consecutive days proved successful as a therapeutic measure for TS and improved her thyroid profile as well as her mental state.

CONCLUSIONS

The inappropriate use of thyroid extracts in euthyroid and hypothyroid patients can result in life-threatening TS. Plasmapheresis is probably a life-saving treatment in patients who are exposed to amounts of thyroid hormone far in excess of that usually produced by the thyroid gland.

Role of plasma exchange in the thyroid storm

Inadequately treated thyroid storm can lead to death. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a suggested treatment when conventional treatments fail, but its indication is not well codified. We report our experience through three explicit cases. Three elderly patients were admitted to our hospital for cardiac or neurologic symptoms due to thyroid storm. After initiation of conventional therapy, TPE was performed with clinical and biological improvement. The speed of symptom resolution varies depending on the severity. This technique must be carried out by experienced medical staff as many complications can occur; nevertheless, in our patients with severe comorbidities, no complications occurred. The action of TPE mainly results from plasma removal of cytokines, putative antibodies, and thyroid hormones and their bound proteins. TPE has a transitory effect and thus should be associated with other thyroid blockers. When there are threatening symptoms, TPE should be done early, without waiting for the efficiency of conventional treatment, since it is the fastest method known for the improvement of the clinical condition. We also suggest starting TPE in case of neurologic symptoms because of very slow and incomplete regression. The Burch and Wartofsky score seems to be a helpful tool in establishing the diagnosis of thyroid storm and for deciding on when to initiate TPE.

Thyroid emergencies

This review presents current knowledge about the thyroid emergencies known as myxedema coma and thyrotoxic storm. Understanding the pathogenesis of these conditions, appropriate recognition of the clinical signs and symptoms, and their prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial in optimizing survival.

Management of severe thyrotoxicosis when the gastrointestinal tract is compromised

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with severe thyrotoxicosis in the absence of a functional gastrointestinal tract represents an uncommon but significant clinical challenge associated with a high mortality rate. This article offers a literature review and discussion of the available management options in this setting.

SUMMARY

Treatment of severe thyrotoxicosis in patients unable to ingest medications by the oral route should focus on normalization of thyroid hormone levels utilizing conventional medical therapy for thyrotoxicosis, administered via non-oral routes. This includes thionamides, beta-blockers, iodine containing solutions, and glucocorticoids. When conventional medical therapy fails, plasmapheresis should be considered as a temporary therapeutic bridge until conventional therapies can be instituted effectively or emergent surgery performed.

CONCLUSION

Although a rare scenario, the management of patients with severe thyrotoxicosis in the absence of a functional gastrointestinal tract represents a challenging clinical situation. Endocrinologists and critical care physicians should be apprised of the available treatment modalities which must be instituted swiftly in order to avoid a catastrophic outcome.

Successful preoperative treatment of a Graves' disease patient with agranulocytosis and hemophagocytosis using double filtration plasmapheresis

Agranulocytosis is an uncommon but serious complication of Graves' disease under thionamide therapy. In some patients removal of circulating thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies by plasmapheresis is an effective adjunctive therapeutic option. In perioperative settings, however, plasmapheresis may cause excess bleeding intraoperatively due to coagulation factor depletion unless fresh frozen plasma (FFP) products are used in the replacement fluid mix. Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in which only a small amount of albumin supplementation is used may be a potential alternative to conventional apheresis interventions where clotting factor depletion is problematic. We report a case of a patient with Graves' disease complicated with intravenous immunoglobulin responsive methimazole-induced agranulocytosis/hemophagocytosis who underwent successful preoperative DFPP treatment in preparation for thyriodectomy. In addition to conventional apheresis using FFP replacement, DFPP may offer an effective adjunct option in the management of hyperthyroid patients needing emergent surgical interventions.

Successful treatment of thyroid storm with plasmapheresis in a patient with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of a patient with Graves disease presenting with agranulocytosis induced by methimazole, with subsequent thyroid storm and successful therapeutic use of plasmapheresis.

METHODS

The clinical features and laboratory findings in a patient with agranulocytosis and thyroid storm are presented, and the available literature on utilization of plasmapheresis in the setting of thyrotoxicosis is reviewed.

RESULTS

A 40-year-old Vietnamese woman with Graves disease was admitted with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis. Treatment with methimazole was discontinued, and therapy with antibiotics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and ibuprofen was initiated. During hospitalization of the patient, her clinical status deteriorated, with development of pericarditis, thrombocytopenia, and thyroid storm. Treatment with plasmapheresis yielded near-euthyroidism in 3 days. Subsequently, she underwent successful total thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Our case highlights the effectiveness of plasmapheresis when clinical situations prohibit the use of traditional treatment methods for thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm (or both).

Moyamoya syndrome associated with Graves' disease: a case report and review of the literature

We report a patient and critically review the literature in order to define the demographic, clinical, neuroradiologic, and treatment features of moyamoya syndrome (MMS) in the setting of Graves' disease (GD). We performed a comprehensive English language Medline search using the keywords "moyamoya," "Graves' disease," and "thyrotoxicosis." We included all patients with angiographic findings consistent with MMS. A 23-year-old woman with active GD presented with intermittent confusion and right arm paresis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute left and chronic bilateral hemispheric infarcts. Cerebral angiography revealed multivessel intracranial occlusive disease. Initial treatment with plasmapheresis plus aspirin stabilized the patient's neurologic deficits. Antithyroid treatment plus subsequent surgical encephalomyosynangiosis resulted in prolonged neurologic stability. We studied 30 patients (27 women [90%], 23 of Asian descent [77%]), with a mean age of 29 ± 11.6 years. Hemiparesis (n = 12; 40%) was the leading clinical sign, and ischemic infarction was the most frequent neuroimaging finding (n = 26; 87%). Treatment regimens included antithyroid medications alone (n = 5; 17%), antithyroid plus antiplatelet agents (n = 9; 30%), neurosurgical revascularization after antithyroid medication (n = 11; 37%), and plasmapheresis in the acute thyrotoxic state (n = 2; 7%). Most patients had good short-to-medium term outcome (n = 14; 78% of reported outcome). Plasmapheresis-treated patients achieved neurologic stabilization and had good outcomes. MMS, an infrequent complication of GD, typically affects young women. Our findings indicate that plasmapheresis can stabilize the neurologic picture in the acute phase, and that antithyroid and antiplatelet therapy, combined with revascularization surgery, may improve long-term outcomes. Further work is needed to establish an optimal treatment strategy.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure due to thiamazole in a patient with hyperthyroidism and trilogy of Fallot: case report

Background

Thiamazole is a widely used antithyroid agent that has been approved for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Although thiamazole-induced hepatotoxicity is a main side effect, it may progress to liver failure in a very few cases.

Case Presentation

We described a 24-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism and trilogy of Fallot, who developed liver failure due to thiamazole. Liver biopsy showed intrahepatic cholestasis, mild inflammatory infiltrates, as well as significant fibrosis, indicating both acute and chronic liver injuries. Although a series of potent therapies were given, the patient deceased due to severe liver decompensation.

Conclusions

This case suggests that thiamazole-induced hepatotoxicity in the setting of advanced fibrosis increases the risk of poor outcome. Regular liver function monitoring during thiamazole therapy is therefore important.

Preoperative therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with thyrotoxicosis

The purpose of this report was to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in preoperative preparation of patients with thyrotoxicosis scheduled for either thyroid or nonthyroid surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with thyrotoxicosis and those who prepared surgery with plasmapheresis between 1999 and 2008 at our institution. Ten patients underwent thyroid surgery and one patient was operated for femur fracture during antithyroid drug treatment. The indications for plasmapheresis in all patients with severe thyrotoxicosis were poor response to medical treatment (seven patients), agronulocytosis due to antithyroid drugs (three patients), iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis (Jodd Basedow effect in one patient), and rapid preparation for urgent orthopedic operation (one patient). After TPE, we observed a marked decrease in free thyroxin (FT3) and free triiodothyronin (FT4) levels; however, the decline in the biochemical values were not statically significant (P > 0.62, P > 0.15). Although both FT3 and FT4 levels remained above the normal limits in two of 11 patients, the signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis improved in all patients and no thyroid storm observed during the perioperative period. TPE can be considered a safe and effective alternative to prepare patients with thyrotoxicosis for surgery when drug treatment fails or is contraindicated and when emergency surgery is required.

Postoperative repeated respiratory insufficiency and thyrotoxicosis in molar pregnancy

Following the removal of a hydatiform mole in a 34-year-old, 14-week pregnant patient, thyrotoxicosis and respiratory insufficiency attacks were twice unexpectedly repeated. The symptoms were resolved with the administration of plasmapheresis, antithyroid and β-blocker drugs and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; however, she was again operated due to prolonged elevated β-hCG.

Disfunção hepática aguda em paciente com hipertireoidismo e hepatite por vírus B: recuperação após plasmaférese e tireoidectomia - relato de caso

Paciente masculino, 31 anos, internado com quadro de dor abdominal, náuseas, vômitos, icterícia e febre, iniciado há duas semanas. História de hipertireoidismo e tratamento irregular com propiltiuracil há dois anos, interrompeu a medicação quando iniciou o quadro atual. Apresentava bócio difuso, cerca de 120 g, T4L 22,7 ng/dL (VN 0,8-1,9 ng/dL); TSH < 0,002 µUI/mL (VN 0,4-5 µUI/mL). Transaminases, bilirrubinas total e direta séricas elevadas. Foi mantido sem antitireoidiano e iniciado propranolol até a dose de 480 mg/dia. Ultra-sonografia de abdome foi normal e sorologias para hepatites A, B e C indicaram infecção aguda por vírus B. Ocorreu piora da função hepática e manutenção de níveis elevados de hormônios tireoidianos. Visando evitar necessidade futura de antitireoidiano, obter rápida normalização dos níveis de hormônios tireoidianos e em virtude do tamanho do bócio foi indicado tireoidectomia. O paciente foi submetido a uma sessão de plasmaférese terapêutica, imediatamente antes da cirurgia, e tireoidectomia subtotal sem intercorrências. No quinto dia após a cirurgia, o paciente apresentava melhora da função hepática e baixos níveis séricos de T4 livre. Concluímos que o hipertireoidismo prévio pode exacerbar e perpetuar a disfunção hepática causada por hepatite viral aguda e que a plasmaférese é um meio rápido, seguro e eficaz de reduzir os níveis de hormônio tireoidiano, permitindo uma tireoidectomia bem-sucedida em pacientes com tireotoxicose grave.

Total intravenous anesthesia for evacuation of a hydatidiform mole and termination of pregnancy in a patient with thyrotoxicosis

Clinical hyperthyroidism is found in approximately 5% of women with a hydatidiform mole, as human chorionic gonadotropin secreted by molar tissue is structurally similar to thyroid-stimulating hormone. A hydatidiform mole occasionally presents with a co-existing viable fetus. Surgical evacuation may be indicated for significant hemorrhage or preeclampsia. Perioperative management in the presence of hyperthyroidism may be complicated by a thyroid storm. We report a case of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil, combined with an esmolol infusion, to control sympathetic hyperactivity during surgery.

Severe hyperthyroidism requiring therapeutic plasmapheresis in a patient with hydatidiform mole

A 38-year-old woman had a 4-week history of vaginal bleeding, heat intolerance and palpitations. Levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and thyroid hormones were abnormally high. After ultrasound diagnosis of a molar pregnancy, evacuation of the mole was planned with preoperative treatment involving the use of antithyroid drugs and plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis was used to prepare for surgery in our patient who needed more rapid hormonal control. In conclusion, early diagnosis of molar pregnancy results in decreased incidence of significant complications related to hyperthyroidism.

Fulminant hepatic failure associated with propylthiouracil: a case report with treatment emphasis on the use of plasmapheresis

Propylthiouracil is a commonly used medication for hyperthyroidism. Though propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity is a rarely encountered problem, death due to fulminant hepatic failure may occur. In the English literature, only 34 cases have been described with severe hepatotoxicity secondary to this drug. Here we report a case of fulminant hepatic failure due to propylthiouracil and review the issues of treatment and management with special emphasis on the use of plasmapheresis in such situations.