LBODP104 Thyroid Plasmapheresis: An Alternative Option For Thyroid Storm

Abstract

Introduction Thyroid storm is a rare, life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate approaching 10-30%. The mainstay of treatment includes initiation of therapy directed against the thyroid, supportive intensive care, and treatment of any precipitating factors. We report three cases of patients with thyroid storm and successful therapeutic use of plasmapheresis when traditional therapy was contraindicated. Clinical Cases Case 1 A 22-year-old male with no known past medical history, presented with fever, shortness of breath, and syncope. Labs showed TSH 0. 014 mIU/L (range 0.4-4.5), FT4 4.30 ng/dL (range 0.9-2.2), TSI 546% (range <140), and TPO 20 U/mL (range <60). He was diagnosed with thyroid storm due to Graves’ disease (Burch-Wartofsky score of 60). He was initially treated with propylthiouracil (PTU), hydrocortisone, propranolol, and Lugol's iodine solution. He developed transaminitis and shock liver so was not able to continue PTU or trial methimazole. He underwent 4 rounds of plasmapheresis with improvement in thyroid hormone levels and eventually had thyroidectomy. Case 2 A 37-year-old female with known Graves’ disease (non-adherent to antithyroid drug), presented with shortness of breath and palpitations. Labs showed TSH <0. 01 mIU/L (range 0.4-4.5), FT4 4.83 ng/dL (range 0.9-2.2), and FT3 6. 0 pg/mL (range 2.3-4.2). Burch-Wartofsky score was 40 and supported the diagnosis of thyroid storm. She was initially treated with methimazole, hydrocortisone, propranolol, and Lugol's iodine solution. She developed transaminitis and there was also concern for methimazole-induced insulin autoimmune syndrome, so methimazole was discontinued. She underwent 3 rounds of plasmapheresis with improvement in thyroid hormone levels and eventually had thyroidectomy. Case 3 A 31-year-old female with no known past medical history, presented with shortness of breath and altered mental status requiring intubation. Labs showed TSH <0. 01 mIU/L (range 0.4-4.5), FT4 4.65 ng/dL (range 0.9-2.2), FT3 25.2 pg/mL (range 2.3-4.2), TSI 467% (range <140), TPO 375 U/mL (range <60). She was diagnosed with thyroid storm due to Graves’ disease (Burch-Wartofsky score of 90). She was initially treated with methimazole, hydrocortisone, propranolol, and Lugol's iodine solution. She developed pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage and it was unclear if this was due to methimazole, thus methimazole was discontinued. She underwent 5 rounds of plasmapheresis with improvement in thyroid hormone levels and eventually had thyroidectomy. Conclusion Plasmapheresis can be an effective and safe treatment option in thyroid storm when there are contraindications for antithyroid drugs or when rapid normalization of thyroid hormone levels is needed. It should be considered as a stabilizing measure as it leads to marked improvement of thyrotoxicosis within 3-5 days, allowing thyroidectomy for definitive therapy. Presentation: No date and time listed