1. METHIMAZOLE-INDUCED AGRANULOCYTOSIS AND SEPSIS: WAS THYROID STORM PRESENT OR JUST BEING MIMICKED?
- Author
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Stumpf, M. A. M., Schrut, G. C. A., Ramthun, M., Onuma, S., and Osternack, H. E. C. G.
- Subjects
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THYROID crisis , *SEPSIS , *AGRANULOCYTOSIS , *THERAPEUTICS , *HOSPITAL admission & discharge , *HOSPITAL emergency services - Abstract
Introduction. Agranulocytosis induced by thioamides is rare, occurring only in 0.2-0.5% of cases. Case presentation. We present the case of a 45-year-old woman previously diagnosed with Graves' disease that discontinued the use of methimazole on her own. She attended the Emergency Department presenting fever (40.5°C), agitation and diaphoresis. A thyroid storm diagnosis was initially thought, but after laboratory results showing neutrophil count near 0.06x109/L, sepsis due to neutropenia seemed the most logical hypothesis. Cephepime was promptly initiated. For thyrotoxicosis management, cholestyramine and atenolol were prescribed. In her second day of hospitalization, subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was started for an earlier medullar response. The patient was discharged after 7 days with atenolol 50mg/ day and instructed to have a definite treatment for Graves disease as soon as possible. Conclusion. Such case purpose is to remember clinicians that sepsis diagnosis can be challenged, especially when a thyroid storm is a possible diagnosis as well. In this particular case, both conditions should be treated, but life-threatening sepsis should have the focus for a quick therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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