Usefulness of plasmapheresis in patients with severe complicated thyrotoxicosis
Myrian Vinan-Vega, Bárbara Mantilla, Nusrat Jahan, Cabandugama Peminda, Kenneth Nugent, Joaquín Lado‐Abeal, Ana Marcella Rivas
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.