Iodine-containing ointment–induced hypothyroidism in a patient with anorexia nervosa and sacral decubitus ulcer: a case report with literature review

Abstract

We present a case of a 58-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa and a sacral decubitus ulcer who developed hypothyroidism because of an iodine-containing ointment. Considering the absence of autoimmune thyroid diseases, the development of hypothyroidism after the use of an iodine-containing ointment, and the recovery of thyroid function after the discontinuation of the ointment, we presumed that her hypothyroidism was induced by the iodine-containing ointment. Although the hypothyroidism improved after discontinuing the iodine-containing ointment, she developed aspiration pneumonia and required long-term hospitalization. Many patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases develop hypothyroidism after excessive iodine intake. However, anorexia nervosa may have exacerbated the iodine-induced hypothyroidism in our patient. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has reported a case of hypothyroidism caused by iodine-containing ointment in a patient with anorexia nervosa. Hence, physicians must pay careful attention to a patient's background factors to ensure the early diagnosis of hypothyroidism due to iodine-containing ointments.

Bedsores: prevention and treatment (theoretical review)

“…If surgical intervention is not possible, specialists mainly use long-term conservative therapy [6]. In addition to preventive measures, such as correct positioning of the patient in bed to reduce pressure on the skin, surgical techniques such as sanation and drainage of the infective focus, as well as the removal of necrotic areas may be used [7].…”