Usefulness of plasmapheresis in patients with severe complicated thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

The standard treatment of complicated thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm with the concomitant use of antithyroid medication, iodine, beta-blockers, and corticosteroids is successful in most cases. However, treatment options are limited when antithyroidal drugs cannot be used or in cases that are refractory to standard treatment. Plasmapheresis provides a safe and effective strategy when initial treatment fails, facilitating the transition to definitive treatments such as thyroidectomy. We present two adults with complicated thyrotoxicosis successfully treated with plasmapheresis as a bridge therapy to thyroidectomy or as an alternative to drug-induced toxicity.

Keywords:

• Plasmapheresis
• thyroid storm
• thyrotoxicosis
• tissue plasma exchange

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Dr. Carolina Garcia contributed to the production of the algorithm in Figure 2.