Indian Journal of Critical Care Case Report

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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 6 ( November-December, 2023 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Thyroid Storm Associated with COVID-19 and Complicated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report

Shailendra Singh

Keywords : Case report, Coronavirus disease 2019, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Thyroid medications, Thyroid storm

Citation Information : Singh S. Thyroid Storm Associated with COVID-19 and Complicated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report. 2023; 2 (6):155-157.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11006-0087

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2023; The Author(s).


Abstract

Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare, life-threatening health condition associated with undertreated hyperthyroidism. During a TS, individual vitals can soar to dangerously high levels, and without prompt, aggressive management, a TS can be fatal. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a trigger for thyroid crisis. However, TS and DKA rarely occur simultaneously. Here, we are presenting a case of TS having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at admission, complicated with DKA. However, it has been seen that TSs can precipitate DKA in a few instances. Case description: A 72-year-old female with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) was brought to the emergency room with symptoms of recurrent DKA. She was COVID-19-positive at the time of admission but with minimal upper respiratory symptoms. DKA protocol was started according to our hospital policy, but she developed tachycardia, a high fever, and a disturbing level of consciousness. After laboratory investigations revealed disturbing thyroid functions. So, DKA with TS was diagnosed. Antithyroid medication, inorganic iodine, and corticosteroids were then started as a treatment for TS, and β-blockers were administered to manage tachycardia. With these treatments, the patient's health improved, and she recovered. Conclusion: In severe cases of DKA, sometimes the presence of TS can be considered, and early treatment should be initiated before the patient's condition worsens.


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