Myxedema: Clinical Manifestations and Hormonal Management

Myxedema: Clinical Manifestations and Hormonal Management

Question.  Describe clinical manifestations and management of myxedema.
Or
Write a short note on the treatment of myxedema.

Answer.

Clinical Manifestations Of Myxedema

• Cold intolerance
• Thickness and dryness of skin and hair
• Swelling of hands and face
• Change in shape of face
• Thickening of lips is present
• Non-pitting edema is present

“Importance of studying myxedema for healthcare professionals: Questions explained”

• There is a yellowish discoloration of the skin.
• Hoarseness of voice is present.
• There is a decrease or loss of sweating
• Loss of hair on the outer third of the eyebrows.
• Slow pulse/bradycardia.

“Understanding myxedema through FAQs: Clinical manifestations and hormonal management explained”

Myxedema Treatment

Management Of Myxedema

Causes and Symptoms of Myxedema

• In patients with myxedema, adequate ventilation is maintained along with electrolyte balance and slow warming.
• The principle of therapy is the replacement of deficient thyroid hormones.
• Treatment of myxedema is the life­long replacement of thyroid hormones by L­thyroxine.
• The initial starting dosage is 50–100 µg daily as a single dose on an empty stomach in the morning for the first 3 to 4 weeks.
  After some time, the dosage can be increased to 150 µg/day.

“Common challenges in diagnosing and managing myxedema effectively: FAQs provided”

• Adjustment of final dosage should be done after assessing TSH levels.
• The maximum dosage of L–thyroxine is 300 µg/day.
• In geriatric patients or patients suffering from ischemic heart disease, a low dose of L–thyroxine 25 µg/day can be started and is increased after assessing the levels of TSH.
• Since the plasma half-life of L–thyroxine is 7 days so increase and decrease in dose should be done at an interval of 2 weeks.