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Table 92.1

Features Suggesting Myxoedema Coma in the Patient with Hypothermia

  • Preceding symptoms of hypothyroidism (weight gain with reduced appetite, dry skin and hair loss) or confirmed hypothyroidism
  • Previous radioactive iodine treatment or thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism
  • Thyroidectomy scar
  • Hyponatraemia (plasma sodium <130 mmol/L)
  • Macrocytosis
  • Failure of core temperature to rise 0.5°C per hour with external rewarming