Myxedema coma is an extreme complication of hypothyroidism in which patients exhibit multiple organ abnormalities and progressive mental deterioration. The term myxedema is often used interchangeably with hypothyroidism and myxedema coma. Myxedema also refers to the swelling of the skin and soft tissue that occurs in patients who are hypothyroid. Myxedema coma occurs when the body's compensatory responses to hypothyroidism are overwhelmed by a precipitating factor such as infection.

2.  Myxedema coma is defined as severe
hypothyroidism leading to decreased
mental status, hypothermia, and other
symptoms related to slowing of function in
multiple organs.
 It is a medical emergency with a high
mortality rate.

5.  Depression
 Heart attack
 Heart failure
 Kidney problems
 Cardiac arrhythmias
 Hypothermia
 Decreased drug metabolism, leading to overdosing
of medications
 Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia,
miscarriage, and stillbirth
 Coma
 Death

6. Laboratory Abnormalities in Myxedema Coma
 Anemia
 Elevated CPK
 Elevated creatinine
 Elevated transaminases
 Hypercapnia
 Hyperlipidemia
 Hypoglycemia
 Hyponatremia
 Hypoxia
 Leukopenia
 Respiratory acidosis

8.  Maintenance levothyroxine doses are typically
75 to 100 mcg IV until the patient stabilizes and
oral therapy is begun.
 Supportive therapy must be instituted to
maintain adequate ventilation, euglycemia,
blood pressure, and body temperature.
 Underlying disorders such as sepsis and
myocardial infarction must be diagnosed and
treated.